Expert Building Design in Forestville

Forestville sits on the edge of Garigal National Park and Middle Harbour, offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore. The area features established homes, wide streets, and a mix of flat and sloping blocks—making it ideal for families, rebuilds, and value-adding upgrades.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Forestville. Whether you’re planning a knockdown rebuild, an extension, or an energy-efficient new home, our designs are tailored to your block and Northern Beaches Council guidelines.

We proudly serve Forestville with thoughtful, family-friendly designs that blend with nature and meet every planning requirement.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Forestville?

  • Smart Family Layouts: Open-plan living, privacy zoning, and great outdoor flow

  • Bushland-Friendly Design: Compliance with BAL ratings and vegetation setbacks

  • Split-Level & Sloped Site Expertise: Homes designed for your unique landform

  • Modern Rebuilds & Extensions: Make the most of your existing site

  • End-to-End Council Navigation: We handle all approvals and supporting documents

Our Forestville building design services combine comfort, compliance, and creativity—perfect for growing families or lifestyle-focused upgrades.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Forestville

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with E3 Environmental Management near bushland areas

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–8m depending on the street

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m based on wall height

    • Rear: 3–6m depending on lot depth and slope

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 600–1,000 sqm; mix of level and sloping blocks, often with native trees

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 common near Garigal bushland

    • Tree preservation orders may restrict clearing

    • Drainage considerations on steeper sites

    • View-sharing and overshadowing guidelines apply for second stories

  • Utilities:

    • Fully connected to water, sewer, electricity, and NBN

Building in Forestville requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Forestville Project?

Both pathways are possible depending on your block and project scope. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Ideal for sloping blocks, second stories, or homes near bushland

  • We manage all reports, plans, and council negotiations

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May be suitable for compliant knockdowns or minor additions on unaffected blocks

  • We’ll assess eligibility and streamline the process

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Forestville

  • Yes—provided it meets overshadowing and view-sharing guidelines. We model everything before submission.

  • We guide you from concept to council approval, ensuring your new home suits the block and local conditions.

  • Yes—we integrate sustainable features into every design to future-proof your home.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Forestville

From classic family homes to modern makeovers and bush-compliant designs, our Forestville building design services make every square meter count.

We help you plan for life now—and for the future.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore our past designs across leafy, suburban, and bush-adjacent suburbs—each created with care and compliance in mind.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Forestville building designs are made for comfort, beauty, and everyday ease.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Forestville?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Forestville?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.