We are traffic engineers servicing Arcadia, Asquith, Beecroft, Berowra, Berowra Creek, Berowra Heights, Berowra Waters, Berrilee, Bobbin Head, Brooklyn, Calabash, Canoelands, Cheltenham, Cherrybrook, Cowan, Dangar Island, Dural, Fiddletown, Forest Glen, Galston, Glenhaven, Glenorie, Hornsby, Hornsby Heights, Laughtondale, Middle Dural, Milsons Passage, Mount Colah, Mount Kuring-gai, Normanhurst, North Epping, Pennant Hills, Singletons Mill, Thornleigh, Wahroonga, Waitara, Westleigh, West Pennant Hills.
Navigating the Development Application (DA) process within Hornsby Shire Council presents a distinct set of challenges for developers. A frequent point of failure, leading to costly delays and potential rejection, is an inadequate traffic and parking report. Successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council demands a precise understanding of the council’s specific planning controls and engineering standards. These requirements can be dense and difficult to interpret, and a non-compliant submission can derail an entire project before it begins.
This comprehensive guide provides a direct framework to eliminate that uncertainty. We will detail the critical components of a successful assessment, from calculating accurate traffic generation rates to satisfying the stringent car parking provision standards outlined in the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP). Our objective is to equip you with the technical knowledge required to prepare a robust and compliant report. By following this guide, you can ensure your DA submission is positioned for a smooth and timely approval process, free from traffic-related impediments, and understand the value an experienced consultant brings to the process.
Key Takeaways
- Learn Hornsby Council’s primary objectives for traffic assessments, focusing on road safety and local amenity to better frame your Development Application.
- Identify the specific development types and sizes that automatically trigger the need for a mandatory Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment.
- Master the specific car parking requirements outlined in the Hornsby DCP 2013 (Part 1C.2.1), a critical reference for a successful Development Application.
- Understand the core components required when undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council to ensure your report meets all compliance standards.
Table of Contents
- Why Hornsby Shire Council Requires a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment
- Key Triggers: When is a Traffic Report Mandatory in Hornsby?
- Core Components of a Compliant Hornsby Traffic Impact Assessment
- Navigating Hornsby’s Specific Car Parking Requirements (DCP 2013)
- The Assessment Process with ML Traffic Engineers
Why Hornsby Shire Council Requires a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment
Hornsby Shire Council mandates a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment to uphold its primary objectives of ensuring road network safety and operational efficiency. As the region develops, the Council must proactively manage the cumulative effects of new projects on local infrastructure and community amenity. The assessment is a formal process, a type of Impact Assessment, that provides Council planners with the critical technical data required for informed decision-making during the Development Application (DA) process.
The following video provides a practical overview of how a traffic and transport impact assessment is conducted for a major project:
A professionally prepared report analyses projected traffic generation, car parking demand, and site access arrangements, ensuring any proposed development aligns with Council’s strategic goals. These requirements are formally outlined in key planning instruments, primarily the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and the more detailed Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP). Failure to address these controls is a common cause of DA delays or refusals.
The Role of the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP)
The core document governing specific local requirements is the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013. This plan provides the definitive controls for development within the shire. It outlines the specific thresholds that trigger the need for a formal assessment and provides non-negotiable standards for car parking rates based on land use, as well as detailed requirements for site access, vehicle maneuvering, sight lines, and loading bay design to ensure compliance with Australian Standards.
Meeting Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Requirements
When a development fronts or impacts a state-classified road (such as the Pacific Highway or Pennant Hills Road), Transport for NSW (TfNSW) becomes a key stakeholder. In these cases, the assessment must address not only Council’s DCP but also the criteria within the TfNSW ‘Guide to Traffic Generating Developments’. This ensures that impacts on the broader state road network are adequately analysed and mitigated, a critical factor when undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council.
Key Triggers: When is a Traffic Report Mandatory in Hornsby?
Determining whether your development application requires a traffic report is a critical early step in the planning process. Hornsby Shire Council has specific triggers, based on both the scale and nature of a proposed development, that mandate a formal assessment. Proactively identifying these triggers is fundamental to successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council and avoiding costly delays during the DA process.
A traffic report is generally required for developments that are likely to significantly alter local traffic conditions or parking demand. Common scenarios that trigger this requirement include:
- New commercial, industrial, or retail developments of a significant scale.
- Multi-dwelling residential housing projects (e.g., apartment buildings, townhouses).
- Childcare centres and other educational establishments.
- Places of public worship.
- Medical centres and specialised consulting rooms.
- Any significant change of use for an existing site that intensifies its traffic or parking impact (e.g., converting an office into a 24-hour gym).
Quantitative Thresholds for Assessment
Council’s requirements are primarily guided by the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013 and the TfNSW ‘Guide to Traffic Generating Developments’. A full Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) is typically mandatory if a development is expected to generate more than 100 vehicle trips in the weekday peak hour or has a parking requirement of more than 50 spaces. Furthermore, any proposal with a significant shortfall in provided parking against DCP rates will trigger the need for a detailed car parking demand assessment.
Qualitative Factors Considered by Council
Beyond raw numbers, Council assesses the specific context of the site. A traffic report may be required for smaller developments if they are located in sensitive areas. Key qualitative factors include the site’s proximity to busy intersections, its location on or access to a classified State Road (such as Pennant Hills Road or the Pacific Highway), challenging topography that complicates vehicle access, or its position within a precinct with known on-street parking shortages.
Types of Reports: Traffic Statement vs. Full TIA
The required report’s complexity depends on the project’s scale. A minor development may only need a brief Traffic Statement or Traffic Impact Statement (TIS), providing an overview of traffic generation and parking compliance. Larger projects that meet the quantitative thresholds demand a comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), which involves detailed analysis of network performance, intersection modelling, and access arrangements. The scope is determined by the potential impact, and early consultation with a professional traffic consultant is the most effective way to confirm requirements before lodging your DA.
Core Components of a Compliant Hornsby Traffic Impact Assessment
A successful development application hinges on a meticulously prepared report that addresses all of Council’s specific requirements. When Undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council, a logical structure and robust methodology are non-negotiable. The report must present a clear, evidence-based narrative, moving from existing conditions to future impacts and concluding with practical mitigation strategies. This ensures Council planners can efficiently review and approve the traffic-related aspects of your proposal.
Existing Conditions and Site Analysis
This foundational stage establishes the baseline for all subsequent analysis. It involves conducting on-site traffic and parking surveys to quantify current vehicle movements and parking occupancy. We also assess the site’s context, including its proximity to public transport, pedestrian footpaths, and cycleways. A review of road geometry, posted speed limits, and historical crash data from TfNSW is essential to identify any pre-existing safety issues. Our comprehensive traffic engineering services cover all these essential components.
Traffic Generation and Distribution
Here, we forecast the new traffic the development will produce. This is calculated using established trip generation rates from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) guidelines or supplemented by surveys of similar, existing developments. The resulting traffic volume is then distributed onto the surrounding road network based on logical travel patterns and existing traffic flows. This analysis is performed for critical peak periods, typically the weekday AM and PM peaks, and often a weekend peak for retail or recreational land uses.
Impact Analysis and Mitigation Measures
This section quantifies the development’s effect on the road network. We use industry-standard software like SIDRA Intersection to model the performance of nearby intersections, assessing changes in delays and queue lengths. The report must also analyse parking impacts, ensuring compliance with Council’s rates and demonstrating that on-site provision is adequate. Where impacts are identified, we propose clear, actionable mitigation measures, such as new traffic signals, lane modifications, or improved sight lines to ensure safety and efficiency.
Navigating Hornsby’s Specific Car Parking Requirements (DCP 2013)
In our extensive experience, inadequate car parking provision is one of the most frequent points of contention leading to delays or refusals of Development Applications (DAs) within Hornsby Shire. Council’s primary reference for all parking matters is the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013, specifically Part 1C.2.1 Car Parking and Access. Strict adherence to this section is not optional; it is a fundamental requirement for a successful DA outcome.
Successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council demands a thorough understanding of these specific requirements, from initial rate calculations to final layout design.
Calculating Required Parking Rates
The DCP outlines minimum parking rates for various land uses, calculated to meet expected demand. These rates are non-negotiable without robust justification. It is critical to calculate the required provision accurately, including separate calculations for resident, employee, visitor, and accessible spaces. Key examples from the DCP include:
- Residential Flat Buildings: 1.2 spaces per 2-bedroom dwelling, plus 1 visitor space per 5 dwellings.
- Shops (Retail Premises): 1 space per 25m² of Gross Floor Area (GFA).
- Educational Establishments: 1 space per staff member.
Accessible (disabled) parking provision must also comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.
Car Park Design and Layout Compliance
Providing the correct number of spaces is only the first step. The physical design and layout of the car park must strictly comply with Australian Standards to ensure safety and functionality. Mandatory compliance is required for:
- AS/NZS 2890.1: For off-street car parking facilities.
- AS/NZS 2890.6: For off-street parking for people with disabilities.
- AS/NZS 2890.2: For commercial vehicle facilities.
Key design elements such as parking space dimensions, aisle widths, ramp grades, and clearances must be demonstrated on DA plans. A Vehicle Swept Path Analysis is essential to prove that the design vehicle can safely and efficiently access and manoeuvre within the proposed car park without conflicting with structures or other vehicles.
Addressing a Parking Shortfall
Proposing a car parking provision below the DCP rates requires a comprehensive justification. A reduction is not granted lightly and must be substantiated by a detailed Car Parking Demand Assessment prepared by a qualified traffic engineer. This report must demonstrate that the lower rate will not result in adverse impacts, such as on-street parking overflow. Key arguments to support a variation include:
- Proximity to Public Transport: Demonstrating excellent access to high-frequency train or bus services can justify a reduced reliance on private vehicles.
- Management Strategies: The implementation of a Green Travel Plan or other Transport Management Strategies can commit a development to promoting sustainable transport alternatives.
Without this expert analysis, any proposed shortfall against the DCP is likely to be a point of refusal from Council.
The Assessment Process with ML Traffic Engineers
At ML Traffic Engineers, our process is defined by direct senior involvement and transparent communication. The traffic consultant who provides your quote is the same experienced professional who will manage your project from start to finish. This hands-on approach ensures accountability and a deep understanding of your project’s specific needs, particularly when navigating the requirements of Hornsby Shire Council.
Our streamlined, three-step process is designed to deliver a robust and compliant Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment with maximum efficiency.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Fee Proposal
The process begins when you provide your project plans and any relevant Development Application (DA) requirements from Council. Our senior engineers conduct a preliminary review to define the precise scope of work required. We then issue a detailed, fixed-fee proposal that clearly outlines all deliverables, timelines, and costs. There are no hidden fees or junior staff hand-offs; you receive a clear commitment from an expert consultant.
Step 2: Data Collection and Detailed Analysis
Once engaged, our team undertakes all necessary fieldwork, including site visits and traffic surveys to gather accurate, real-world data. We then perform a rigorous analysis of traffic generation, parking demand, and access design, ensuring full compliance with Hornsby’s Development Control Plan (DCP) and Australian Standards (AS 2890.1). We liaise directly with your project architect to refine site plans where necessary, ensuring a compliant and practical design outcome. This meticulous analysis is fundamental to successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council.
Step 3: Report Preparation and Submission
We prepare a draft report for your review, providing an opportunity for feedback and clarification before finalisation. The final, comprehensive Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment is then issued, formatted and ready for direct submission with your DA. Our service does not end at submission; we provide ongoing support to respond to any queries from Council, ensuring a smooth and efficient assessment process for your development.
Ready to start? Contact our expert team for a quote.
Partner with ML Traffic Engineers for Your Hornsby Project
Navigating the development application process requires a clear understanding of Hornsby Shire Council’s stringent traffic and parking regulations. A compliant assessment, tailored to the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP 2013), is not just a formality-it is a critical component for achieving project approval without costly delays.
Successfully undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council demands specialist expertise. At ML Traffic Engineers, we bring over 15 years of dedicated experience with Sydney councils to your project. Our in-depth knowledge of Hornsby DCP and LEP requirements ensures your report is comprehensive and robust, addressing all council criteria meticulously.
We provide a direct, accountable service based on a simple promise: the consultant who quotes the work, does the work. This guarantees you receive senior-level expertise from start to finish. Secure the specialist guidance your development deserves.
Request a Fee Proposal for Your Hornsby Project and let our expertise streamline your path to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment cost in Hornsby?
The cost for a Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment in Hornsby is determined by the scale and complexity of the development. A report for a small, straightforward project may start from A$2,000 + GST. Larger developments with higher traffic generation or challenging access issues require more detailed analysis, with fees typically ranging from A$4,000 to A$8,000 + GST. We provide a fixed, upfront fee proposal for all projects to ensure complete cost clarity.
How long does it take to prepare a traffic report for a DA?
A standard traffic report for a Development Application (DA) is typically completed within one to two weeks of engagement. This allows for a thorough site inspection, all necessary analysis, and preparation of the final report and plans. Projects that require extensive traffic surveys or detailed intersection modelling may have a longer timeframe, which will be clearly communicated in our initial proposal to align with your project submission schedule.
What happens if Hornsby Shire Council requests further information on my report?
Should Hornsby Shire Council issue a Request for Further Information (RFI), our senior engineers will conduct a detailed review of their comments. We then provide you with a clear explanation of the issues and a fixed-fee proposal to prepare a comprehensive response. Our extensive experience undertaking Traffic and Car Parking Impact Assessments in Hornsby Shire Council ensures we can efficiently address all technical matters raised by Council planners to facilitate a positive outcome.
Do I need a traffic report for a small residential extension or granny flat?
In most cases, a formal traffic report is not required for a minor residential extension or a compliant granny flat. However, an assessment may be triggered if the proposal involves a new or modified access onto a classified road, does not meet the minimum on-site parking requirements, or features a non-compliant driveway design. We can provide a preliminary review to confirm if a report is necessary for your specific circumstances.
Can ML Traffic Engineers help if my site has difficult vehicle access?
Yes. ML Traffic Engineers specialises in resolving complex vehicle access issues for constrained sites. We use industry-standard software to conduct detailed Vehicle Swept Path Assessments, demonstrating how service, emergency, and waste collection vehicles can safely access and manoeuvre. We also perform Sight-Line Assessments to ensure all access points comply with Australian Standards (AS 2890.1) and Council’s specific safety requirements, providing practical and compliant design solutions.
What is the difference between the Hornsby LEP and the DCP for traffic assessments?
The Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is the principal legal document that controls land use and sets statutory requirements, such as whether a development is permissible. The Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) provides the detailed, non-statutory guidelines to support the LEP. For traffic assessments, the DCP contains the specific numerical car parking rates for various land uses and the technical design standards for driveways, ramps, and sight distances.