Planning and the environment
In NSW planning controls apply to commercial poultry production and poultry keeping. Consult your local council to check if you are intending to own poultry for either commercial or hobby purposes.
All councils have a Local Environment Plan (LEP) and different geographical areas have designated Land use classifications, for example, rural, residential or industrial. Land use zones determine which activities are permissible. In some land use zones any form of poultry keeping may not be allowed, or Council may limit the location or number of birds that can be kept.
Poultry production is classified as Intensive Livestock Agriculture under Planning legislation, regardless of the scale of the enterprise. Poultry production enterprises are required to meet planning and development requirements with the local Council typically responsible for development consent.
For information on establishing or operating a poultry farm, review the relevant development and environmental guidelines, including those available on this page.
Additionally, persons or corporations who operate an Intensive Livestock industry, including farms that are intended to accommodate more than 250,000 birds, are required by law to hold a licence under Section 48 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO).
General planning resources
myFarm Planner
myFarm Planner helps guide poultry farmers on development requirements, planning approval pathways, and industry considerations.
Planning Guidelines - Intensive Livestock Agricultural Development
This guide is intended to assist applicants and planning authorities to understand the assessment requirements for intensive livestock developments, such as feedlots, poultry farms and pig farms.
Licensing under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
Learn more about environmental licensing and whether it applies to you
Resources for poultry meat sites
Planning and Environment Guideline for Establishing Meat Chicken Farms – Guide 1 Assessment Guide
This guideline is intended to be used by planners, regulators and developers (and their consultants) to assess and prepare planning/development applications for new and expanding meat chicken farms. This guide details the key location, design, and management criteria that need to be met to ensure environmentally and socially sustainable production on meat chicken farms.
Planning and Environment Guideline for Establishing Meat Chicken Farms – Guide 2 Applicant Guide
This guideline is intended to be used by applicants of new and expanding meat chicken farms. The information contained in this document provides details on important matters to consider in planning a new development, key steps to take in the application process, what information to prepare and include in an application, where to find important information, and how best to engage with government and the community.
Resources for poultry egg sites
Egg Industry Environmental Guidelines
Industry, regulators and the community can use these guidelines to ensure egg production facilities are developed, designed and managed to minimise the risk and severity of adverse environmental and amenity impacts. The guidelines also provide a source of information that can be utilised by operators of existing facilities to improve the environmental management of their enterprises.
Pasture Selection and Management Guide for Free Range Egg Farms
This guide was developed to assist free range egg farmers to manage their outdoor ranges effectively through promotion of ground coverage and the provision of suitable forage species for hens. Information is also provided on planting trees and shrubs for shade and shelter.
Agricultural Land Use Planning team
The Department of Primary Industries Regional Development (DPIRD) Agricultural Land Use Planning (ALUP) team provide advice to planning authorities and industry groups; develop policy and influence our partner agency policy frameworks to foster NSW’s agricultural industry to grow in a sustainable and informed manner.
