We are traffic engineers servicing Bell, Berambing, Blackheath, Blaxland, Blue Mountains National Park, Bullaburra, Faulconbridge, Glenbrook, Hawkesbury Heights, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lapstone, Lawson, Leura, Linden, Medlow Bath, Megalong Valley, Mount Irvine, Mount Riverview, Mount Tomah, Mount Victoria, Mount Wilson, Springwood, Sun Valley, Valley Heights, Warrimoo, Wentworth Falls, Winmalee, Woodford, Yellow Rock.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process for preparing a traffic and parking impact assessment that meets the specific requirements of the Blue Mountains City Council for your Development Application.
When Does Blue Mountains Council Require a Traffic and Parking Report?
Understanding the triggers for a traffic and parking assessment is the first step in a successful Development Application (DA). The Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) requires a formal report to evaluate how a proposed development will affect the local road network, parking availability, and site access. Depending on the scale and nature of your project, you may need a simple Traffic Statement or a comprehensive Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment (TIA).
Development Application (DA) Triggers
A traffic and parking report is generally required for:
-
New commercial, industrial, or multi-residential developments that will introduce new traffic movements.
-
Significant changes of use for an existing property, such as converting a retail shop into a restaurant or medical centre.
-
Developments generating a specified number of vehicle trips per day, as defined by council or Transport for NSW (TfNSW) guidelines.
-
Projects located in sensitive areas, such as those near busy intersections, on main roads, or within heritage conservation zones.
Key Council Documents to Reference
Your assessment must demonstrate compliance with specific local planning instruments. The primary documents that dictate the requirements are:
-
Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan (LEP): This document outlines land use zoning and specifies which types of development are permissible in different areas.
-
Blue Mountains Development Control Plan (DCP): The DCP provides the detailed rules for traffic, parking, access, and servicing. It contains specific car parking rates for various land uses and design standards for driveways and parking layouts that your report must address directly.
Core Components of a Compliant Assessment for BMCC
A compliant report for the Blue Mountains Council must be structured to directly address their assessment criteria. It requires a robust, transparent analysis of all traffic and parking elements, supported by clear diagrams and plans.
Traffic Impact Analysis
This section quantifies the effect of your development on the surrounding road network. It involves:
-
Establishing existing traffic conditions through certified traffic surveys and data collection.
-
Calculating traffic generation for the proposed development based on TfNSW (formerly RMS) guidelines and the specific land use.
-
Assessing the impact on surrounding intersection performance, often using specialised software like SIDRA to model delays and queuing.
-
Proposing mitigation measures if the impact is significant, such as signal adjustments or minor road upgrades.
Car Parking Demand and Design Assessment
This component demonstrates that your project provides adequate and compliant parking facilities. It must:
-
Calculate the required number of parking spaces based on the specific rates set out in the BMCC DCP.
-
Design the car park layout to comply with all relevant Australian Standards, particularly AS 2890.1 for off-street car parking.
-
Include provisions for accessible parking spaces, bicycle parking, and any required Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
-
Demonstrate compliance through detailed architectural plans showing dimensions, gradients, and circulation aisles.
Site Access, Circulation, and Servicing
Safe and efficient access is critical for council approval. This analysis must include:
-
Design and assessment of driveway locations to ensure they provide safe sight lines for vehicles and pedestrians.
-
Vehicle Swept Path Analysis using software like AutoTURN to prove that all expected vehicles (from cars to service and waste collection trucks) can safely enter, manoeuvre within, and exit the site.
-
Confirmation of safe and efficient internal circulation for all users, including pedestrians.
-
Detailed plans for loading docks and waste collection areas, demonstrating they can operate without disrupting traffic flow on public roads.
Navigating Blue Mountains’ Unique Local Considerations
A generic report is not enough for the Blue Mountains. Your assessment must demonstrate a deep understanding of the area’s unique geography, environmental sensitivities, and local planning priorities, particularly regarding bushfire risk and the character of its distinct towns and villages.
Town Centre Parking Strategies
Each major town centre in the Blue Mountains has its own character and parking challenges. Your report should address:
-
Specific parking provisions for key centres like Katoomba, Leura, Springwood, and Blackheath.
-
Council’s strategic approach to managing the balance between on-street and off-street public parking.
-
How your development contributes to or impacts the local parking supply, and whether a financial contribution in lieu of parking is a viable option.
Access Design for Sloping Sites and Difficult Terrain
The challenging topography of the Blue Mountains requires expert engineering solutions for site access. Key considerations include:
-
Designing compliant driveway grades that are safe for vehicles without exceeding the maximums specified in Australian Standards, even on steep blocks.
-
Ensuring safe vehicle manoeuvrability where space is constrained by the terrain.
-
Managing stormwater runoff and minimising the environmental impact of new access ways and hardstand areas.
Bushfire Prone Land and Heritage Conservation
Safety and preservation are paramount in the BMCC planning framework. Your traffic assessment must show how you are:
-
Ensuring access roads and driveways comply with the technical requirements of Planning for Bush Fire Protection.
-
Designing access points and circulation routes that minimise any impact on heritage items or conservation areas.
-
Balancing mandatory safety requirements for emergency vehicle access with the aesthetic and environmental goals of the council.
The Assessment Process: From Scoping to Council Submission
Following a structured process ensures every detail is covered, leading to a more efficient DA process. Engaging a qualified traffic engineering consultant early is key to integrating traffic requirements into your design from the beginning.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Scoping
-
Discuss your project with an experienced consultant to clearly define the scope of the required traffic report.
-
Identify key council requirements, potential challenges, and strategic issues at the outset.
-
Receive a detailed fee proposal that outlines the full scope of work and deliverables.
Step 2: Data Collection and Site Analysis
-
Our team conducts necessary traffic counts and detailed site inspections to gather accurate baseline data.
-
We undertake a thorough review of your architectural drawings and site plans.
-
If required, we can liaise with council for pre-lodgement feedback on complex traffic issues.
Step 3: Report Preparation and Submission
-
We draft a comprehensive technical report that methodically addresses every relevant clause in the Blue Mountains DCP and LEP.
-
We prepare all necessary diagrams, including swept path analysis, parking layouts, and sightline checks.
-
The final report is delivered ready for inclusion in your complete DA package for submission to council.
-
See our full range of traffic engineering services that support your DA.
Why Choose ML Traffic Engineers for Your Blue Mountains Project?
To ensure a smooth DA process, partner with a consultant who has a deep understanding of Sydney council requirements and a proven track record in the Blue Mountains. We provide practical, no-nonsense reports focused on one thing: achieving compliance for your DA approval.
Decades of NSW Experience
-
With over 30 years of experience preparing reports for councils across NSW, we understand the specific nuances of the Blue Mountains planning framework.
-
Our team has a comprehensive understanding of state and local planning policies.
-
We have a proven track record in getting DAs approved without unnecessary traffic-related delays or Requests for Information (RFIs).
-
Learn more about our experienced team.
Direct Access to Senior Engineers
-
Your project is handled directly by a principal engineer from start to finish.
-
The person who quotes the work, does the work. This ensures complete accountability and a deep understanding of your project’s details.
-
You have a direct line of communication for fast and effective problem-solving.
A Focus on DA Success
-
We specialise in preparing traffic and parking assessments specifically for Development Applications.
-
Our reports are clear, concise, and written to be easily understood and assessed by council officers, reducing review times.
-
We provide commercially-aware advice to help you achieve your project goals while ensuring full compliance.
Request a Quote for Your Blue Mountains Project
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment cost for a project in the Blue Mountains?
The cost depends on the scale and complexity of the development. A small project like a dual occupancy will cost less than a large commercial or multi-residential development that requires extensive traffic surveys and intersection modelling. We provide fixed-fee proposals after an initial project review.
How long does it take to prepare a traffic report for a DA submission?
A typical timeframe is 1-2 weeks from when we receive all necessary architectural plans. This can be expedited for urgent projects. More complex assessments requiring new traffic surveys may take longer to account for data collection.
What happens if the Blue Mountains Council requests more information or changes to my report?
If council raises questions or issues a Request for Information (RFI) related to our report, we will prepare a formal response to address their comments. Our deep experience with BMCC requirements minimises the likelihood of significant RFIs.
Do I also need a separate Swept Path Analysis for my Blue Mountains DA?
Swept Path Analysis is a standard component of our Traffic and Parking Impact Assessments. We include all necessary diagrams to demonstrate that vehicles can safely access and manoeuvre within your site, so a separate report is not usually required.
Can you assist with small projects like a dual occupancy or a childcare centre?
Yes. We have extensive experience with projects of all sizes in the Blue Mountains, from single dwellings with challenging access to childcare centres, medical centres, and multi-unit residential developments.
What is the difference between the RMS guidelines and Blue Mountains Council’s specific parking rates?
The TfNSW (formerly RMS) Guide to Traffic Generating Developments provides trip generation rates used to estimate traffic volumes. However, for car parking requirements, the Blue Mountains DCP provides its own specific parking rates for different land uses within the LGA. Your report must calculate parking demand based on the council’s DCP rates.
