Home Planning Development and Planning System in Parkes Shire

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BASIX

BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) is a web-based planning tool designed to assess the potential performance of residential buildings against a range of sustainability indices.

"If your building a new home, you need a BASIX Certificate to submit with your development application".

What is BASIX

BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) is a web-based planning tool designed to assess the potential performance of residential buildings against a range of sustainability indices.

By applying practical measures to design a new home, BASIX ensures there is a potential to save energy and water - saving you money on your bills and protecting the environment.

From 1 July 2005, BASIX applies throughout NSW for:

• Houses
• Dual Occupancies
• Villas
• Townhouses
• Multi-unit apartments

From 1 July 2006, BASIX applies to alterations and additions made to existing homes, across NSW.

BASIX means new homes will:

• save water
• save energy

What does this mean for my house design?

BASIX is a flexible tool that offers a range of design choices including using:

• Insulation
• window glazing
• eaves and window shading
• wastewater for garden use
• light coloured roof materials
• gas or solar hot water systems
• skylights to bring in natural light
• landscaping that requires less water
• rainwater tanks for use in gardens, toilet and/or laundry
• water-saving showerheads, taps and dual-flush toilets
• passive solar design to make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Key Points about BASIX

• To get a BASIX Certificate, you must show that your proposed home will be designed and built to save energy and water.
• Information required by BASIX includes site location, dwelling size, floor area, landscaped area and services.
• The BASIX commitments shown on the Certificate must be clearly marked on the design plans.
• Council staff cannot accept a development application without a BASIX Certificate.

For more information, you can access the BASIX website www.basix.nsw.gov.au which has an on-line tutorial and other resources that will help you complete the assessment, otherwise you can call the BASIX Help Line during business hours on 1300 650 908.

For information on BASIX Alterations and Additions click on the link to obtain the 'Fact Sheet' which explains information on Alterations and Additions to Dwellings http://sustainability.nsw.gov.au/information/common/pdf/alts_adds_req/alts_adds_fact_sheet.pdf

Contact details
Planning & Environment Department
02 68612373 (ph)
02 68623946 (fax)
council@parkes.nsw.gov.au

© 2008 Parkes Shire Council
This page: http://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/planning/1190/4975.html