Shadow Diagrams Sydney & NSW
Shadow diagrams for Development Applications across all Sydney metro councils. Prepared to the confirmed project scope and relevant planning requirements. Winter Solstice, 21 June — accurate solar geometry for your project's coordinates.
Apartment Design Guide Solar Access Criteria — Where Applicable
The following criteria relate to apartment development where the Housing SEPP / Apartment Design Guide applies. They are not a universal shadow diagram requirement for every Sydney or NSW development application.
| Governing standard | Apartment Design Guide (ADG), consolidated into Housing SEPP Chapter 4 |
|---|---|
| Reference date | 21 June — Winter Solstice |
| Required times | 9am, 12pm, 3pm (some councils require hourly intervals) |
| Timezone | Times are modelled using the locally applicable civil time for each nominated date, including daylight-saving adjustments where relevant |
| Solar access threshold | 70% of apartments must receive minimum 2 hours direct sunlight between 9am–3pm |
| Maximum zero sunlight | 15% of apartments may receive no direct sunlight |
| Sunlight measurement | 1m² patch of direct sunlight at 1m above floor level, for at least 15 consecutive minutes* |
| Scale | 1:100 or 1:200 (council-dependent) |
| Orientation | True north (not magnetic north) |
| Submission format | PDF as part of DA package, submitted via NSW Planning Portal |
Note: Individual councils may have additional planning requirements beyond the ADG. We check the applicable planning requirements before starting every project.
*ADG guidance applies this as a measurement aid where the adequacy of direct sunlight is in question. The assessment scope is confirmed for each project.
What your council-ready shadow diagram looks like
Multi-Storey Residential
Four time-point overshadowing analysis with neighbouring properties and site boundaries clearly marked. Winter Solstice, 21 June.
Dual Occupancy
Shadow impact on rear yard and neighbouring private open space. 9am, 12pm, 3pm as commonly required, confirmed against the applicable planning requirements.
Mixed-Use Development
Full ADG solar access analysis — 70% threshold with existing vs proposed shadows distinguished by colour.
Every diagram includes: shadow footprints at all required times · existing vs proposed shadows · true north arrow & scale bar · property boundaries & neighbour addresses · date, time & location annotated · professional presentation ready for council.
Why Sydney architects and planners trust us
Architectural Modelling Experience
CasStudio has worked with architectural drawings, 3D building models and international project documentation since 2008. This modelling background supports the preparation of clear existing and proposed shadow studies.
Project-Specific NSW Planning Scope
We review the relevant planning controls, available planning request and development type before confirming the required analysis dates, time intervals and drawing scope.
3–5 Day Turnaround
Standard delivery is typically 3–5 business days from receipt of the complete project information and confirmed scope. Need it faster? 48-hour rush delivery available for urgent DAs.
Precise Solar Geometry
We calculate shadow positions using your project's exact GPS coordinates, not approximations. Times are modelled using the locally applicable civil time for each nominated date, including daylight-saving adjustments where relevant, verified against independent solar calculators for every project.
Revision Support
One revision round is included within the agreed project scope. If the planning authority requests clarification specifically relating to the supplied shadow diagrams, send us the request and we will review the required update.
Fixed Transparent Pricing
Exact quote within 24 hours of receiving your plans. No hourly rates, no hidden fees, no surprises. The price we quote is the price you pay — including one round of revisions.
Common Information Included in Sydney Shadow Diagram Sets
- Plan view (top-down) for each required time point — 9am, 12pm, 3pm on 21 June
- Existing shadows (without proposed development) shown separately or in different colour
- Proposed shadows (with development) clearly distinguished from existing
- Property boundaries of subject site and all affected neighbours
- Adjacent buildings, fences and other permanent structures accurately modelled — vegetation included or excluded per the relevant authority's requirements
- Street addresses of neighbouring properties labelled
- North arrow (true north), scale bar, date, and time on each diagram
- Legend explaining shadow colours/hatching for existing vs proposed
- Elevation shadow diagrams if shadows fall on neighbouring windows
- Consistent with site survey, elevation drawings, and Statement of Environmental Effects
What you receive with every shadow diagram
Council-Ready PDF
PDF prepared to the confirmed drawing scope and project requirements, suitable for inclusion in the project documentation package.
CAD Source File
DWG file with all shadow layers, building outlines, property boundaries, and annotations. Your architect or planner can incorporate it directly into the DA drawing set.
One Round of Revisions
Design change? Council feedback? One round of revisions included at no extra cost. Additional revisions quoted separately if needed — always at a fair rate.
Methodology & Scope Summary
A project summary identifying the analysis location, reference date, time intervals, drawing scope and shadow presentation methodology used for the agreed deliverables.
3D Shadow Animation (Optional)
Time-lapse video showing shadow movement across your site from sunrise to sunset. Powerful for presentations, community consultations, and complex multi-building projects.
Elevation Shadow Study (Optional)
Side-view shadow diagrams showing impact on neighbouring windows and façades. Required by some councils (e.g. City of Sydney) and useful for defending against neighbour objections.
Shadow diagrams for all 33 Greater Sydney councils
Also covering Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast, and regional NSW councils. Each council has its own DCP — we check requirements before starting.
Fixed pricing in AUD. No surprises.
Standard Shadow Diagrams
AUD 400 from / per project
Single dwellings, dual occupancy, granny flats, extensions
- Plan shadow diagrams at 9am, 12pm, 3pm
- 21 June (Winter Solstice)
- Existing + proposed shadows
- Property boundaries & neighbours
- PDF + DWG source file
- 1 revision included
- 48-hour first draft · 3–5 day final
Extended Shadow Study
AUD 750 from / per project
Townhouses, multi-dwelling, councils with extra requirements
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Hourly intervals 9am–3pm (City of Sydney & others)
- Elevation shadow diagrams on neighbouring walls
- Additional dates (equinox, summer solstice)
- 3D perspective shadow views
ADG Solar Access Package
AUD 1,500 from / per project
Apartment buildings & ADG-assessed developments
- Full ADG solar access analysis (2h threshold, 70% test)
- Neighbouring windows & POS analysis
- Overshadowing % calculations
- Sun-on-ground & view-from-sun diagrams
- Methodology and Results Summary for Your Planner or Project Team
- Priority turnaround
Add-on — 3D Shadow Animation: AUD 800. Time-lapse shadow movement, sunrise to sunset, HD MP4 — ideal for presentations, community consultation and Land & Environment Court material.
Standard tier pricing assumes complete dimensioned drawings (DWG, DXF or dimensioned PDF). Geometry reconstruction from undimensioned documents, corner lots, steep terrain and heritage contexts are scoped in your quote. Final price confirmed within 24 hours — fixed once accepted.
From your plans to council-ready diagrams
Send Plans
Email your DA drawings, site survey, and project address in Sydney.
Quote in 24h
We review the applicable planning requirements, confirm scope, and provide a fixed AUD quote.
We Model & Analyse
3D model built, 21 June solar angles calculated, shadows generated for 9/12/3.
Deliver
Council-ready PDF for your DA package. Review, revise, submit via NSW Planning Portal.
Questions specific to Sydney shadow diagrams
Do all Sydney DAs need shadow diagrams?
The required scope depends on the development, surrounding context, affected receptors and the planning authority's request or policy context. Some projects need shadow or overshadowing evidence only; others may require a formal daylight and sunlight assessment.
Why 21 June specifically?
21 June — the winter solstice — produces the longest shadows of the year, which is why NSW councils use it as the standard midwinter assessment date. A proposal that performs well at midwinter will generally perform better at other times of year. The required assessment dates and criteria still depend on the applicable planning control and project type, and some controls call for additional dates such as the equinox.
Does my council have requirements beyond the ADG?
Yes, some do. Individual councils may specify additional times, scales, or presentation requirements beyond the ADG. We review the applicable planning requirements before starting.
What about Complying Development?
For Complying Development in Sydney, shadow diagrams may be required and certification can be issued by private certifiers instead of council. We prepare diagrams suitable for both DA and CDC submissions.
Can I submit via the NSW Planning Portal?
Yes. All DAs in NSW are submitted via the NSW Planning Portal. We deliver your shadow diagrams as PDF files ready for upload as part of your DA documentation package.
What if my neighbour objects to overshadowing?
Accurate shadow diagrams are your best defence. We can prepare additional analysis such as view-from-sun diagrams, elevation shadow studies, or percentage calculations to address the identified planning criterion and specific objections.
Send us your Sydney DA plans. Quote in 24 hours.
Email your drawings and project address. We'll check your council's requirements, scope the deliverables, and provide a fixed AUD quote in one business day.
Get a Free Quote → info@casstudio.com