Shea CullenNSW Registered Architect 9748 · Updated 10 July 2026Deferred matter zoning (DM zoning) refers to properties addressed in an order created in 1979 which was supposed to be interim (The Interim Development Order 122 1979), these properties have not been zoned and are still subject to the order. These areas were supposed to be rezoned five years after 2015 so it is uncertain when it will happen.
Alternatively you can talk to us here and we'll look up all these details for you.
If my site is zoned Deferred Matter, what should I do?
If you are planning to do an extension or new build on your property, then you should look at the zoning to check if it is permitted. The deferred matter area will be rezoned and you should look at what it will be rezoned as and see what you will be able to do in the future as well. Have a look at the permitted uses of the existing and the proposed zone. If there is something permitted now that you would like to build in the future then get it approved now while you can. If there is something that isn't permitted now and will be when the rezoning happens then I would wait for that to happen before lodging.
Also if you are Zone 7(c2) and you have a lot of 2ha or more, you should sub divide to 1ha properties, now while you can because the minimum lot size will be reduced when the changes happen as outlined in this document here.
Is my property Deferred Matter on the Central Coast?
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Click on the Online Mapping Tool on Central Coast Council's website here.
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Agree to council's terms and conditions:
- Try searching for your address. This often doesn't work, tried three different examples and not a single one worked. Not to worry though, use the scroll on your computer mouse to zoom into your address. It often helps to have google maps open beside it to make your address easier to find.
- Zoom into your address using the scroll bar.
- In the left sidebar scroll down.
- In the left sidebar scroll down and select Deferred Matter under the Planning Tab. This tells you what your current zoning is, you can find out what the permitted uses for your current zone here:
- Select Deferred Matter Exhibition (DM) above it, this will show you what the land is set to be zoned as in the future, you can find the permitted uses for the zoning in the Central Coast LEP here.
If my zoning is changing, what should I do?
Have a look at the permitted uses of the existing and the proposed zone. If there is something permitted now that you would like to build in the future then get it approved now while you can. If there is something that isn't permitted now and will be when the rezoning happens then I would wait for that to happen before lodging a DA.