Expert Building Design in Tongarra

Tongarra is a semi-rural suburb in the western reaches of the Shellharbour region, known for its open landscapes, larger land parcels, and strong agricultural presence. The area is valued for its peaceful setting, with green rolling hills and farmland offering a lifestyle that contrasts with the denser coastal and urban suburbs nearby.

At DMR Designs, we provide customised building solutions in Tongarra that respect the rural setting while embracing modern functionality. Whether it’s a country-style home, a secondary dwelling, or a renovation on a large block, our designs ensure the home complements the natural surroundings and complies with Shellharbour City Council planning regulations.

We proudly deliver building designs in Tongarra that balance comfort, rural lifestyle, and compliance. Our approach enhances the natural beauty of the area while supporting the needs of families and landowners who value space and privacy.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Tongarra?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Spacious designs suited to larger rural lots.

  • Suburban Harmony: Homes that integrate seamlessly with Tongarra’s natural landscape.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient, eco-friendly features suited to rural living.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Flexible layouts for families, home offices, or farm-related uses.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Shellharbour City Council rural zoning requirements.

Our Tongarra designs provide the perfect mix of practicality, lifestyle, and rural character tailored to this unique setting.

Shellharbour Council Requirements for Building in Tongarra

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • RU1 Primary Production (in some pockets)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally 10–15m for rural lots

    • Side and rear setbacks vary but often 5–10m minimum

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Rural residential lots: 4,000 sqm and above

    • Agricultural holdings: several hectares

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land in some areas

    • Environmental overlays protecting waterways and vegetation

    • On-site wastewater treatment required for some properties

  • Utilities available:

    • Fully serviced with electricity and NBN in parts

    • Water and sewer availability varies, with many properties reliant on tanks and septic systems

Designing in Tongarra requires careful consideration of rural zoning, services, and environmental overlays, all while ensuring compliance with Shellharbour City Council standards.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Tongarra 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 new rural dwellings, larger extensions, or projects impacting environmental overlays.

  • Necessary for agricultural structures or developments that exceed CDC limits.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for straightforward rural dwellings and secondary dwellings if all standards are met.

  • Less common due to larger lot sizes, bushfire overlays, and servicing considerations.

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 Tongarra

  • The suburb is characterised by large country homes, farmhouses, and rural-style residences on spacious blocks.

  • Yes, rural zoning requires larger setbacks, bushfire protection measures, and in some areas, on-site wastewater management.

  • Absolutely. We specialise in sustainable rural designs, incorporating passive solar orientation, water tanks, and off-grid options.

  • While we know the Blue Mountains area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Blue Mountains City Council area, including Katoomba, Springwood, Leura, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Blue Mountains 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 designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shellharbour project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Tongarra

We provide customised building design in Tongarra for rural homes, secondary dwellings, and extensions. Depending on the property, this may include farm-style residences, contemporary country homes, or multi-generational layouts that make the most of large rural blocks.

From planning to approval, we deliver designs that combine compliance, rural functionality, and timeless style.

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

Discover our Tongarra projects, showcasing rural homes that reflect the beauty of open landscapes and provide practical solutions for modern families. Each design demonstrates how thoughtful planning can create a home that respects the environment while meeting the needs of rural living.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Tongarra requires expertise in rural planning and design—something DMR Designs is proud to provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Tongarra?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shellharbour 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 Tongarra?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shellharbour City Council area. From Barrack Heights and Oak Flats to Albion Park and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.