Expert Building Design in Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is one of the Central Coast’s most vibrant coastal suburbs, celebrated for its surf culture, sandy beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. The area is popular with families, retirees, and holidaymakers, offering a mix of beach cottages, renovated homes, and modern architect-designed residences. With its proximity to schools, shopping centres, and recreational facilities, Shelly Beach delivers both lifestyle and convenience.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in Shelly Beach that embraces the coastal character while enhancing liveability. Whether you’re planning a new home, duplex, or renovation, our tailored designs make the most of sea breezes, natural light, and outdoor living spaces—all while meeting Central Coast Council requirements.

Our designs balance contemporary coastal style with practical functionality, ensuring your home reflects the relaxed charm of Shelly Beach.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Shelly Beach?

  • Coastal-Optimised Homes: Designs that capture ocean breezes and maximise natural light.

  • Family-Focused Layouts: Spacious interiors perfect for growing families and beachside living.

  • Durable Designs: Building solutions suited to the coastal environment and conditions.

  • Sustainability: Energy-efficient layouts that reduce long-term running costs.

  • Compliance Expertise: Smooth approvals with Central Coast Council planning standards.

Our Shelly Beach designs combine functionality, coastal charm, and compliance for a lifestyle that’s truly beachside.

Central Coast Council Requirements for Building in Shelly Beach

 

  • 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: 500–750 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 300–450 m²

  • Key constraints

    • Coastal erosion zones near beachfront areas

    • Flood-prone sections in low-lying streets

    • Height restrictions to protect neighbourhood character and views

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Shelly Beach requires designs that respect the suburb’s coastal setting while fully meeting Central Coast Council standards.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Shelly Beach 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 multi-dwelling housing, projects in coastal hazard zones, or homes needing variations from CDC standards.

  • Essential for beachfront properties with additional planning controls.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward single dwellings, duplexes, or compliant renovations.

  • Offers faster approvals if the design meets council and state planning codes.

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 Shelly Beach

  • A mix of older beach cottages, renovated family homes, and modern coastal residences.

  • Yes, coastal erosion and flood-prone overlays may apply to some beachfront sites.

  • Absolutely, we focus on open-plan layouts, large decks, and coastal finishes perfect for seaside living.

  • 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 Shelly Beach

We provide tailored building design in Shelly Beach, specialising in coastal homes, duplexes, and renovations. Our services include site-responsive designs, energy-efficient solutions, and guidance through council approvals.

From concept to completion, we create homes that embrace Shelly Beach’s coastal charm while ensuring compliance with Central Coast Council requirements.

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 Shelly Beach portfolio, featuring designs that highlight open living spaces, natural light, and coastal character. Each project demonstrates how good design transforms beachside living into a comfortable and stylish experience.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Shelly Beach requires design expertise that balances lifestyle, environmental constraints, and compliance—something DMR Designs delivers with every project.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Shelly Beach?

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 Shelly Beach?

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.