Expert Building Design in Lane Cove

Lane Cove is a vibrant Lower North Shore suburb combining a bustling village centre with tranquil residential streets, leafy parks, and riverside reserves. It is sought after for its family-friendly atmosphere, reputable schools, strong community spirit, and convenient transport connections to the Sydney CBD.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Lane Cove that reflect the suburb’s blend of established and modern housing while ensuring compliance with Lane Cove Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Lane Cove with designs that combine comfort, style, and practicality.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Lane Cove?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes designed for comfort, flow, and liveability.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that complement Lane Cove’s mix of heritage and contemporary streetscapes.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Lane Cove Council’s planning controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient designs suited to modern lifestyles.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Customised for families, professionals, and multi-generational living.

Our Lane Cove designs deliver a harmonious balance of style, practicality, and compliance tailored to this suburb.

Lane Cove Council Requirements for Building in Lane Cove

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically 6.0 m (or in line with prevailing streetscape)

    • Side and rear setbacks vary according to dwelling height, storeys, and lot width

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: around 550–750 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: generally 450–600 m²+ depending on zoning

  • Key constraints

    • Preservation orders for significant and native trees

    • Heritage and conservation area restrictions in select streets

    • Height and bulk controls to maintain neighbouring amenity

  • Utilities available

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN

Building in Lane Cove demands designs that respect the suburb’s character while meeting all council standards.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Lane Cove Council website.

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

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Typically required for multi-dwelling developments, townhouses, or projects seeking variations from CDC standards.

  • Necessary for sites with environmental, heritage, or conservation overlays.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, duplexes, and extensions meeting all relevant standards within the applicable zoning.

  • Allows faster approval for compliant, straightforward projects.

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 Lane Cove

  • Yes—if your lot meets the minimum size, frontage, and zoning requirements, and complies with landscaping, parking, and setback rules.

  • Certain streets and homes fall within heritage or conservation areas; any works must respect the original character and comply with Council’s heritage guidelines.

  • Properties near bushland or reserves may be mapped as bushfire-prone, requiring designs that meet BAL construction standards and additional approval steps.

  • While we know the Lane Cove area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Lane Cove Council area, including Greenwich, Longueville, Riverview, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Lane Cove 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 waterfront designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

We’d love to hear about your Lane Cove project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Lane Cove

We offer customised building designs for homes, duplexes, and townhouses fitting Lane Cove’s character and planning requirements.
From concept to council approval, we ensure compliance, style, and quality.

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 Lane Cove portfolio showcasing homes designed for lifestyle, compliance, and local character.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Lane Cove requires expert planning and design—exactly what we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Lane Cove?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your Lane Cove home.

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 Lane Cove?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Lane Cove Council area. From Greenwich and Longueville to Riverview and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.