City of Newcastle - Heritage Minor Works

Heritage Minor Works

Seek City of Newcastle endorsement for minor works or maintenance to a heritage item or property in a heritage conservation area.

Last updated on: 31 January 2026

In this article

Heritage Minor Works or Maintenance Notification
Application information
What you need to provide
Application fees
Submit application
Next steps
Time frames
Helpful links

Heritage Minor Works or Maintenance Notification

If your property is a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area, most works or activity requires development consent.

However, development consent may not be required if City of Newcastle (CN) is satisfied the proposed development is of a minor nature or for maintenance, and would not adversely affect the heritage significance of the heritage item or heritage conservation area.

This process is made possible under clause 5.10(3)(a)(i) and (ii) of the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

When to use this form

To seek endorsement from City of Newcastle for proposed development to a heritage item or to a building, work, tree or place in a heritage conservation area, which is of a minor nature or is for its maintenance.

City of Newcastle must be notified of the proposed works, and you must first obtain a written response advising that development consent is not required before commencing any works.

Application information

What is considered maintenance

Under the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012, maintenance is defined as:

'Ongoing protective care, it does not include the removal or disturbance of existing fabric, alterations (such as carrying out extensions or additions) or the introduction of new materials or technology'.

Maintenance generally involves a lesser degree of work compared with works of a minor nature, such as clearing gutters, maintaining landscaping and non-abrasive surface cleaning.

What is considered 'minor works'

City of Newcastle will generally only agree to this exemption request if the proposed works are of a minor nature and would otherwise be considered Exempt Development, if not for the site being a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area. Principally this includes 'like for like' replacement/rectification works.

The heritage minor works or maintenance notification pathway isn't designed to replace the need for development consent or certification. It's important to follow the correct approval process.

While each type of work listed may be considered minor on an individual basis, the scale, location and cumulative impact of those works will be taken into consideration by City of Newcastle when determining whether the development will have an adverse impact on the heritage significance of the heritage item or heritage conservation area.

The following types of development activity will generally be considered as 'minor works' to a heritage item or to a property in a heritage conservation area:

re-painting of a building or part of a building, but not the painting of face brick, stonework, tiling, terracotta, slate and other surfaces or fabric that were not traditionally or previously painted
reinstatement of missing detailing or features to a building
plastering or rendering of external walls treated in that manner. the works must use traditional materials and finishes
replacement of rainwater goods to a building including guttering and downpipes
replacement of roof cladding in a traditional manner and using traditional materials, but not the replacement of roof cladding with an alternative modern material or colour (e.g. Colorbond)
re-pointing of masonry and stone walls in a traditional manner and using traditional materials
replacement of damaged timber boards to a verandah, with timber boards of a traditional size and materiality
reinstatement or replacement of a boundary fence, including a front boundary fence or gate, using traditional proportions, details and materials
replacement of non-traditional windows and doors with windows and doors of traditional proportions and materials
repair of chimneys using traditional materials without altering the size or details
replacement or renovation of a non-original bathroom or kitchen
development that reproduces the existing materials, finish and design of the building so as not to alter its appearance.

What is not considered 'minor works'

As a general guide, the following types of development activity will not be considered by City of Newcastle as 'minor works' to a heritage item or to a property in a heritage conservation area:

works that have already been carried out
alterations and additions to a building, including structural changes, repairs or rectification works
development or works that are currently the subject of a development application or a notice/order under various Acts, especially the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Local Government Act 1993
development or works that contravene a condition of development consent
demolition of significant built elements or fabric that can be repaired
construction of carports, garages, driveways or hardstand parking spaces
demolition of a building, or the demolition of a non-significant ancillary structure
new structures, including pools or tennis courts
a change to the configuration of a room, whether by removal of an existing wall, partition or other means
solar energy systems attached to any wall or roof of a building facing a primary road
development within or immediately adjacent to an easement for electricity purposes, or immediately adjacent to an electricity substation, or within 5 m of an exposed overhead electricity power line
signage that is illuminated, animated, flashing or moving.

Utility service providers

This form should not be used for applications from utility service providers and others proposing utilities works in the public domain which relate to a heritage item or are within a heritage conservation area.

Our Assets and Projects Team are responsible for assessing these applications, including the assessment of the likely heritage impact from the proposed works. Contact us on 02 4974 2000 to discuss further.

What you need to provide

This section will help you prepare a complete application; however additional information may be requested after our initial review.

Site map, photos and details

State listed heritage property

Optional supporting documentation

Owners consent

This application type requires owner's consent.

However, if you are the sole owner of the property and you are the one completing this form, you do not need to complete the owner's consent form.

Owner's consent is only required if:

you are not the sole owner
the property has multiple owners.

In such cases, you must obtain consent by having all owners complete and sign the Owner's Consent form and include it with your application.

Application fees

Application fees vary based on several factors. To get a quote, simply click the 'Apply Now' button below. You'll be guided through a few quick questions, and we'll provide a tailored fee estimate before you proceed.

Additional fees may apply following a full review of your application.

Submit application

Before you begin

Please ensure you've read all the information above on our website.

This will help you confirm that the proposed works are either:

of a minor nature and would otherwise be considered exempt development, if not for the site being a heritage item or located within a heritage conservation area, or
for the maintenance of the heritage place, defined as ongoing protective care. This does not include the removal or disturbance of existing fabric, alterations (such as extensions or additions), or the introduction of new materials or technology.

Create or sign into your account

As part of the application process, you'll be prompted to register or sign in to your account.
Your account makes it easy to submit applications and requests, track their progress, view outcomes, and make payments all in one place.
You can find more information and step-by-step guidance on creating a registered user account, as well as access to support services, on our Registration Enquiry article.

Apply Now

Next steps

Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it, along with a receipt for your application fees.
We will assess your application and supporting documentation to determine if your proposal meets the requirements for a heritage minor works or maintenance notification.
If we are satisfied that development consent is not required, an endorsement of the application will be provided to you in writing.
If we decline to grant an exemption, a Development Application must be lodged for the proposed works.
Low risk development types that would not adversely affect heritage significance may have the potential to be submitted under City of Newcastle's fast track Development Application process, known as Accelerated Development Applications.

Time frames

Applications typically take 2 weeks to process.

Helpful links

NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer - use this interactive map to apply information layers and determine heritage items and heritage conservation areas.
Heritage listings and maps - City of Newcastle website

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