Expert Building Design in Tomerong

Tomerong is a semi-rural village in the Shoalhaven region, set among bushland and rolling hills just a short drive from Jervis Bay. It is valued for its community atmosphere, leafy surroundings, and proximity to coastal beaches, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a balance between country living and seaside access. Homes here range from classic cottages and family dwellings to larger rural blocks with space for sheds and workshops.

At DMR Designs, we offer building design in Tomerong that captures the village’s relaxed lifestyle while complying with Shoalhaven Council planning requirements. Our expertise spans family homes, rural residences, and secondary dwellings, with designs that maximise light, airflow, and connection to outdoor living spaces. Every project reflects the unique qualities of Tomerong while meeting modern expectations for comfort and functionality.

Our Tomerong designs deliver a blend of community-focused layouts, natural integration, and council compliance, tailored to the village’s setting.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Tomerong?

  • Village-Friendly Layouts: Homes that fit within Tomerong’s semi-rural character.

  • Family-Focused Design: Comfortable, flexible homes for growing families.

  • Natural Integration: Designs that work with bushland and leafy surrounds.

  • Sustainable Choices: Energy-efficient solutions suited to rural living.

  • Council Compliance: Expertise in Shoalhaven Council’s village and rural planning rules.

Our Tomerong projects provide practical, stylish, and compliant homes that enhance the local character.

Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Tomerong

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

  • Setbacks:

    • Residential areas: 6–8m front setbacks typical

    • Rural lots: larger setbacks of 20–30m

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Village lots: 600–1,200 sqm

    • Rural blocks: 2,000 sqm to several hectares

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land across many sites

    • Environmental considerations due to nearby forested areas

    • On-site wastewater management required for some rural properties

  • Utilities available:

    • Town water, electricity, and NBN in village

    • Tank water and septic systems on rural properties

Building in Tomerong requires designs that respect the semi-rural lifestyle and Shoalhaven Council’s planning standards.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Shoalhaven City Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Tomerong 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 homes on bushfire-prone or environmentally constrained land.

  • Needed for dual occupancies or larger rural developments.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings or alterations on compliant village lots.

  • May not apply in heavily bushfire-affected or environmentally sensitive areas.

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 Tomerong

  • A mix of family homes on residential lots and larger rural dwellings with workshops or sheds.

  • Yes, many properties are in bushfire-prone areas and require BAL ratings and fire-resistant materials.

  • Yes, secondary dwellings are possible and popular on both residential and rural properties, subject to council approval.

  • While we know the Shoalhaven area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Shoalhaven City Council area, including Nowra, Huskisson, Ulladulla, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Shoalhaven 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 retreats to bushfire-compliant plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shoalhaven project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Tomerong

We provide building design in Tomerong for family homes, duplexes, rural homesteads, and secondary dwellings. Every project is tailored to the property and lifestyle needs of the client.

From start to finish, we deliver council-ready, sustainable, and lifestyle-focused designs for Tomerong.

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

Our Tomerong projects highlight the suburb’s unique combination of rural living and coastal proximity, with designs that blend both.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Tomerong requires local knowledge, council expertise, and community-focused design—all of which we bring to every project.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Tomerong?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shoalhaven City 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 Tomerong?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shoalhaven City Council area. From Nowra and Huskisson to Ulladulla and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.