Model DCP clauses for agritourism - How to use the model clauses

Sep 1, 2026

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Model development control plan (DCP) clauses guide local councils in preparing suitable controls for agritourism development applications for farm stay accommodation, farm gate premises, farm experience premises, and roadside stalls. The clauses are optional and may be adopted or tailored to reflect local conditions, and they operate alongside other relevant DCP provisions. Councils are directed to consider exempt and complying development standards under the Codes SEPP 2008, supported by referenced notes within the control set.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatDOCX

Pages21

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

How to use the model clauses

Scope and optional use of the clauses

General controls

Site analysis and design

Background

Objectives

Controls

Site design and layout

Neighbouring land uses

Model DCP clauses for agritourism How to use the model clauses These model development control plan (DCP) clauses provide guidance for local councils to prepare appropriate controls in their DCPs for development applications for the following land uses: farm stay accommodation farm gate premises farm experience premises roadside stalls. The clauses do not specifically address cellar door premises, which are a type of farm gate premises. The model clauses are optional for councils. The clauses can be adopted in DCPs or tailored in response to local conditions. The clauses will apply in addition to other relevant clauses in Council’s DCP(s). In establishing controls for agritourism, councils should consider the development standards for exempt and complying development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP). The development standards are referred to in notes in the controls below. General controls This section contains general provisions that apply to development for farm experience premises, farm gate premises and farm stay accommodation. They also apply to development for roadside stalls unless specified only for farm experience premises, farm gate premises or farm stay accommodation. Specific controls for each of these land uses are provided in the following sections. The definitions for these land uses can be found in HYPERLINK "https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2006-155a" \l "dict" the dictionary to [Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan 2006] [insert the name of and link to your specific LEP in place of the Standard Instrument LEP]. Site analysis and design Background Development for farm experience premises, farm gate premises and farm stay accommodation can only be undertaken on a commercial farm and must be ancillary (secondary) to the agriculture being undertaken on the farm. These requirements are important to ensure agricultural land is retained in NSW. Any development application for these land uses should contain supporting information to demonstrate that the proposal is ancillary to the farm and will not adversely affect the existing farm operations on the landholding. Across regional NSW and rural areas around metropolitan Sydney, there is a rich variety in the character and identity of rural areas, underpinned by diverse landscapes, stories and cultures to be acknowledged and preserved. The design of buildings, structures and landscape plays an important role in creating memorable experiences and places. The visual character of existing built form, especially historical built forms, together with the character of the surrounding landscape, contributes to a sense of place which is distinct and unique and essential to that place’s identity. Objectives To allow for tourism development on farms that complements the agricultural use of the land. To ensure farm gate premises, farm experience premises and farm stay accommodation are secondary to a commercial farm and do not constrain the agricultural activities on the property from remaining the primary use of the land. To ensure farm gate premises, farm experience premises and farm stay accommodation are compatible with the rural character and heritage of the property and do not unnecessarily intrude on the landscape. To respond to environmental values, risks and constraints including environmentally sensitive lands that involve native vegetation and habitats, waterways and water sources. Controls Development for farm experience premises, farm gate premises or farm stay accommodation is not to restrict the day-to-day functions of the farm from remaining the primary use of the land. A site analysis plan for farm experience premises, farm gate premises or farm stay accommodation is to demonstrate how the existing attributes and constraints of the site and surrounds have been considered, including rural character, heritage, environment, landscape and scenic

FAQs

Which types of agritourism land uses do the model DCP clauses cover?

The clauses provide guidance for farm stay accommodation, farm gate premises, farm experience premises, and roadside stalls.

Are the model clauses mandatory for councils?

No. The model clauses are optional for councils and can be adopted in DCPs or tailored to local conditions.

What should councils consider when establishing controls for agritourism?

Councils should consider the development standards for exempt and complying development under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, as referenced in the notes to the controls.

Sep 1, 2026

Upload by Skyler