Temporary Events and Uses on Private Land

If you are holding an event or function in a backyard, the property owner will need to be satisfied that any relevant authorities are liaised with to investigate any further actions.

There are general requirements listed in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 under Division 3 for Temporary Uses and Structures. If the temporary use can meet all the listed requirements, development consent is not required.

Setting up a business to trade, pop-up shops or other temporary activations as well as events or functions on private property, at a venue or inside privately owned buildings may require consent if it is not already an approved use of the land on which it will be held.

If a temporary event is being held on a property that does not currently have consent to operate in this way, a Development Application will need to be lodged for the temporary use of the land.

Clause 2.8 of the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan allows temporary use of land that doesn’t compromise future development on the land or have detrimental economic, social, amenity or environmental effects on the land.

The development consent may be granted for development on land in any zone for temporary use for a maximum period of 52 days in any period of 12 months (whether or not consecutive days).

• Lodging with City of Newcastle 
• NSW Planning Portal 
• NSW Department of Planning DA Guide  
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008