Expert Building Design in North Epping

North Epping is a quiet, leafy suburb nestled between Lane Cove National Park and the northern edge of Epping. Known for its peaceful streets, large blocks, and strong community spirit, North Epping offers the ideal balance between bushland seclusion and urban convenience. Many properties are surrounded by native trees and sloped land, making thoughtful, compliant design especially important.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in North Epping—delivering tailored designs that reflect the area’s natural beauty while meeting council and bushfire requirements. Whether you’re planning a new build, extension, or full renovation, we create designs that complement the land and support long-term livability.

DMR Designs proudly services North Epping and every suburb within Hornsby Shire. We also take on select projects up to 4 hours from the are

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in North Epping?

  • Designed for Bushland Living: We create homes that respect the natural slope and tree coverage of your land.

  • BAL & Environmental Expertise: We work with BAL assessors and consultants to ensure full bushfire compliance.

  • Custom Designs for Large Blocks: Our layouts maximize natural light, outdoor flow, and privacy.

  • Tree-Sensitive Planning: We balance design goals with Hornsby Shire’s strict tree preservation rules.

  • Smooth Process, Start to Finish: From site review to final approvals, we handle every detail.

Our North Epping building design projects combine environmental sensitivity with comfort and council compliance.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in North Epping

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–9m | Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on zoning and slope

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Generally 0.4:1 in R2 Low Density zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • Ranges from 750–1,100+ sqm, often tree-covered and sloping

  • Zoning:

    • Predominantly R2 Low Density Residential with significant bushfire overlays

  • Local Considerations:

    • Bushfire risk (BAL) and tree protection are critical in most areas. Designs must account for slope, solar access, and environmental impacts.

Building in North Epping requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning po

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

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

Given the area's bushfire zoning and tree cover, a Development Application (DA) is most common.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most major works, especially in BAL-affected or tree-dense areas

  • Offers flexibility for unique and site-responsive designs

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply to simple internal renovations or small extensions

  • Requires full compliance with bushfire, privacy, and planning rules

  • Approved by a private certifier (if eligible)

We’ll advise on the most efficient path based on your site’s constraints and goals.

 

FAQs About Building Design in North Epping

  • Yes—we often design extensions that enhance space without compromising privacy or street appeal.

  • BAL assessments are almost always required. We’ll guide you through this process and ensure your design meets all standards.

  • Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

Our Building Design Services in North Epping

We design custom homes, knockdown rebuilds, multi-level extensions, renovations, and additions—all suited to the unique features of North Epping.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our North Epping building design services help your ideas become reality—stress free.

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 how we’ve helped other homeowners in North Epping and beyond design homes that harmonize with nature while maximizing livability.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From peaceful retreats to large family homes, our North Epping building design services deliver functional beauty—without the stress.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in North Epping?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic 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 North Epping?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.