Environmental planning instruments

Environmental planning instruments (sometimes called EPIs) are local environmental plans (LEPs) and State environmental planning policies (SEPPs) that are made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Environmental planning instruments, unlike statutory rules, cannot be disallowed by Parliament.

Although they are made under the authority of an Act, environmental planning instruments are treated as being a distinct category of legislation separate from other subordinate legislation.

Local environmental plans are made for particular local government areas. They are made either by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, or a delegate, or a local council.

Most local environmental plans adopt certain provisions specified by the Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Order 2006 made by the Governor under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, section 3.20.

State environmental planning policies are made for either the whole of the State or special areas of the State. They are all made by the Governor.

All environmental planning instruments and amendments to the Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Order 2006 must be published on this website before they can take effect.