Expert Building Design in San Remo

San Remo is a relaxed coastal suburb on the northern end of the Central Coast, known for its family-friendly community, proximity to Lake Munmorah, and affordable housing options. The area features a mix of brick-and-tile family homes, compact townhouses, and newer duplex developments, making it attractive to young families, retirees, and first-home buyers. Its closeness to schools, shops, and recreational areas makes San Remo a convenient yet peaceful place to live.

At DMR Designs, we provide customised building solutions in San Remo that capture the coastal and suburban lifestyle of the area. Our designs blend seamlessly with the lakeside environment while fully meeting Central Coast Council planning requirements.

We create building designs in San Remo that emphasise functionality, affordability, and long-term comfort. Each project is carefully crafted to suit the needs of families, professionals, and retirees while reflecting the suburb’s evolving streetscape.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in San Remo?

  • Bushland Integration: Homes designed to complement natural surroundings.

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Spacious designs suitable for multi-generational living.

  • Flexible Living Spaces: Interiors adaptable for home offices, hobbies, and leisure.

  • Sustainable Design: Energy-efficient solutions tailored to semi-rural conditions.

  • Council Compliance Expertise: Expert navigation of Central Coast Council planning requirements.

Our San Remo designs deliver a perfect mix of practicality, affordability, and compliance suited to this lakeside suburb.

Central Coast Council Requirements for Building in San Remo

 

  • Zoning types

    • R1 General Residential

    • RE1 Public Recreation

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically range from 5 to 7 meters

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on dwelling type and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 500–800 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 300–450 m²

  • Key constraints

    • Flood-prone areas near the lake foreshore

    • Height restrictions to maintain low-density character

    • Environmental overlays protecting nearby wetlands

  • Utilities available

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

Building in San Remo requires designs that respect the lakeside setting while fully complying with Central Coast Council requirements.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Central Coast Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your San Remo 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):

  • Required for townhouses, multi-dwelling projects, or any development seeking variations to CDC rules.

  • Necessary for properties affected by flood overlays or environmental constraints.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for new single dwellings, duplexes, or simple extensions that comply with council standards.

  • Provides faster approvals for 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 San Remo

  • San Remo is home to brick-and-tile family houses, townhouses, and newer duplex builds.

  • Yes, flood zones near the lake and environmental protections around wetlands require careful planning.

  • Absolutely, we specialise in cost-effective designs that maintain quality, functionality, and modern appeal.

  • While we know the Central Coast area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Central Coast Council area, including Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Central Coast 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 coastal-inspired homes to acreage lifestyle layouts, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Central Coast project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in San Remo

We provide tailored building design in San Remo for single homes, duplexes, and townhouse projects. Our services include practical layouts, energy-efficient solutions, and designs that balance budget with lifestyle needs.

From initial plans through to council approval, we ensure each design is functional, compliant, and suited to the evolving character of San Remo.

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 San Remo portfolio, showcasing homes that reflect the suburb’s balance of affordability and lifestyle. Each design highlights how smart planning and thoughtful design can improve daily living.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in San Remo requires careful consideration of local conditions and council standards—something we handle with expertise from start to finish.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in San Remo?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Central Coast 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 San Remo?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Central Coast Council area. From Gosford and Terrigal to Woy Woy and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.