Expert Building Design in Oxford Falls

Nestled between Garigal and Oxford Falls National Parks, Oxford Falls is a rare find—offering bushland surrounds, larger lifestyle blocks, and a peaceful escape just minutes from the beaches. With limited public infrastructure and stricter planning controls, building here calls for experience, insight, and detailed coordination.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Oxford Falls. Whether you’re planning a modern rural retreat, an extension to your existing dwelling, or a compliant secondary structure, we bring local knowledge and council-smart solutions to every project.

We proudly serve Oxford Falls with designs that respect the land, the environment, and every planning overlay.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Oxford Falls?

  • Rural Lifestyle Specialists: Layouts designed for privacy, views, and land usage

  • Bushfire & Environmental Compliance: We handle BAL reports, effluent, and stormwater planning

  • Acreage-Friendly Designs: Masterplans for homes, sheds, studios, and pools

  • Low-Impact Building Options: Designs that preserve vegetation and native landforms

  • End-to-End Support: From early feasibility to final approvals and builder-ready plans

Our Oxford Falls building design services are ideal for acreage owners seeking quality, custom homes that align with council and environmental needs.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Oxford Falls

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily RU2 Rural Landscape and E3 Environmental Management

    • Strict land-use controls apply to protect the area’s semi-rural and ecological character

  • Setbacks:

    • Larger setbacks often apply—10m or more depending on location and lot size

    • Side and rear setbacks may vary depending on slope and vegetation buffers

  • Typical Lot Sizes:
    1–5 hectares; bushfire-prone and often with limited access to town services

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-29 to BAL-FZ in many areas due to dense bushland proximity

    • Septic or aerobic systems may be required—no town sewer

    • Driveway access and drainage may require engineering input

    • Some land is subject to environmental or biodiversity overlays

    • Clearing restrictions limit development footprint

  • Utilities:

    • Electricity available on most sites; no sewer; tank water and onsite waste management required

Building in Oxford Falls 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 Oxford Falls Project?

Due to environmental controls and bushfire risks, most builds require a Development Application. 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):

  • Required for most new homes, extensions, or additional structures

  • We manage the entire process, including bushfire, septic, and stormwater reports

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rare in Oxford Falls, but possible for minor structures on unaffected land

  • We’ll confirm eligibility and handle all fast-track options if viable

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 Oxford Falls

  • Yes—many residents rely on solar, tanks, and septic systems. We design homes to support energy efficiency and independence.

  • We design compact, low-spread structures with BAL-safe materials, screened openings, and defendable zones.

  • Yes. We can masterplan your site and submit a DA that includes all structures at once.

  • 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 Oxford Falls

From luxury acreage homes to nature-sensitive retreats, our Oxford Falls building design services help you create spaces that feel grounded, practical, and connected to the land.

We bring experience and environmental care to every concept.

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 designs in Duffys Forest, Ingleside, and Terrey Hills—each crafted to meet rural zoning rules, BAL ratings, and large-lot living.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Oxford Falls projects blend function, form, and respect for the landscape.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Oxford Falls?

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 Oxford Falls?

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.