Concrete Hills District
Shale clay on rolling, sloping blocks
The Hills District is rolling country on shale-derived clay. Many blocks slope, so driveways commonly need a cut at the top, fill at the bottom and sometimes a small retaining wall to hold it. Newer estates usually have engineered, near-level lots but still sit on reactive clay that needs good base preparation and joints. On the semi-rural fringe, long driveways and gravel roads bring access and truck-turning questions into the quote.
Concrete prices in the Hills District
From our calculator: N25 concrete, SL72 mesh, good truck access, GST included. Suburbs further from the CBD carry a delivery surcharge per load.
| 40m² driveway | outer zone (+$220) |
|---|---|
| Broom finish, level site | $8,300–$9,000 |
| Exposed aggregate, level site | $10,000–$10,700 |
| Replacing an old concrete driveway | $11,500–$14,400 |
| Sloping site, 100–300mm cut, pump | $11,650–$14,100 |
Estimates only, confirmed at a free site inspection.
What to plan for in the Hills District
Sloping driveways
Levels have to be set at the kerb, the garage and every change of grade so cars don't scrape. Expect a cut at the top or fill at the bottom, and a pump if the truck can't park within 4–5 metres of the pour.
New-estate rules
Many estates have design guidelines or covenants covering driveway colour and finish, so check yours before choosing. Lots are usually level, but builder's fill is checked and compacted before any concrete goes on it.
Councils in this area: Hornsby Shire Council, The Hills Shire Council. Each approves driveway crossings on its own footpaths and sets the levels they must match.
Council driveway and setback rules in the Hills District
Each council sets its own rules for crossings, driveway widths, finishes, garages and front setbacks. Summarised from their own documents, with every rule linked to its source.
The Hills Shire Council
The Hills DCP 2012, Part B Section 2 Residential (in force 6 May 2022)
Garages & parking
Garages must be set back at least 5.5m from the front boundary (or the required building setback if greater) so a car parked in front of the garage doesn't overhang the road reserve.
The Hills DCP 2012 Part B2, 2.14.1(e)Garages & parking
Garages should be no wider than 6.5m and no more than 50% of the property's width at the building line, and at least one car space must be behind the front building line.
The Hills DCP 2012 Part B2, 2.14 (garage design; car parking (d))Front setback
The minimum front setback is 10m on classified roads; on other streets it depends on the area, and the existing streetscape pattern can require more.
The Hills DCP 2012 Part B2, 2.14.1(a)–(b)
Hornsby Shire Council
Hornsby DCP 2024, Part 3 Residential (amended 23 June 2025)
Driveway
Car parking goes behind the front building line, reached by a paved driveway set at least 0.5m off the side boundaries to leave room for landscaping.
Hornsby DCP 2024, 3.1.7 (a)–(c)Garages & parking
Garage doors must be set back 1m from the front of the house, no wider than 6m and no higher than 2.4m.
Hornsby DCP 2024, 3.1.5 (f)Front setback
Minimum front setback is 6m to local roads and 9m to designated roads; where the street already has setbacks of 7.6m or more, you may need to match them.
Hornsby DCP 2024, Table 3.1.2-aFrontage
For dual occupancies, combined garage doors facing the street are limited to 6m on 16–20m wide lots, 9m on 20–25m lots and 12m on lots over 25m, each door a single 3m opening.
Hornsby DCP 2024, 3.1.5 (f)
Blacktown City Council
Blacktown DCP 2015, Part C Development in the Residential Areas
Crossing & approvals
The crossing must be at least 1m from any gully pit or service infrastructure in the road reserve, and on a corner block at least 6m from the tangent of the kerb return.
Blacktown DCP 2015 Part C, 3.5.3Driveway
Each parking space must be at least 5.5m long by 3m wide (2.75m each in a side-by-side double), and driveway grades must comply with AS 2890.1.
Blacktown DCP 2015 Part C, 3.5.3Garages & parking
Garage doors or carports can take up no more than 50% of the front of the house, and two parking spaces must be provided behind the building line, not in the front setback.
Blacktown DCP 2015 Part C, 3.2.3 and 3.5.3Front setback
The minimum front building line for a house is 6m (4.5m in the Stanhope Gardens estate, except homes facing Stanhope Parkway with rear driveways).
Blacktown DCP 2015 Part C, 3.2.3
Rules that apply anywhere in NSW
A driveway, hardstand or paving on your own land is exempt from planning approval only if it isn't in a heritage conservation area, on a heritage item, in a foreshore or environmentally sensitive area, drains to an existing stormwater system, and is built to AS/NZS 2890.1. Otherwise it needs a DA or CDC.
NSW Codes SEPP, exempt development: driveways, pathways and pavingAnything built on or over the footpath or road, including the vehicle crossing and layback, needs approval from the council (or Transport for NSW on State roads) under the Roads Act 1993, even when the work on your land is exempt or already approved.
NSW Codes SEPP, exempt development: driveways, pathways and pavingDriveway grades follow AS/NZS 2890.1: generally no steeper than 25% (1 in 4) within the property, and any change in grade over 12.5% (1 in 8) needs a transition, usually about 2m long, so cars don't scrape.
AS/NZS 2890.1, as applied in Hunters Hill Council's driveway specification
Checked October 2026. Councils update their controls and site-specific controls can apply, so confirm with council or your certifier before you build.
Suburbs we cover in the Hills District
Baulkham Hills 2153
The Hills Shire Council
Baulkham Hills is mostly 1970s and 80s brick homes on sloping clay blocks. Many driveways are steep and now due for replacement, which means breaking out, regrading and sometimes adding a retaining edge.
Castle Hill 2154
The Hills Shire Council (parts in Hornsby Shire)
Castle Hill is rolling country of 1970s to 90s homes on clay, many on sloping blocks. Steep driveways, cut-and-fill and retaining edges come up often, and exposed aggregate is a popular finish.
Cherrybrook 2126
Hornsby Shire Council
Cherrybrook is mainly 1980s and 90s homes on sloping blocks near bushland, on clay over sandstone. Original driveways are reaching replacement age, and slope and tree roots are the usual complications.
Dural 2158
The Hills Shire Council or Hornsby Shire Council, depending on the street
Dural is semi-rural acreage with long driveways, sheds and large outdoor areas. Big pours, truck turning space and access along gravel drives are the main things we plan for.
Kellyville 2155
The Hills Shire Council
Kellyville is largely estates built from the 1990s onwards on reactive clay, with near-level engineered lots. New driveways, alfresco slabs and side paths for recently built homes are the common jobs.
Norwest 2153
The Hills Shire Council
Norwest combines the business park with newer homes, townhouses and apartments. Most residential work is on recent builds, on clay lots that are usually level and accessible.
Rouse Hill 2155
The Hills Shire Council or Blacktown City Council, depending on the street
Rouse Hill is mostly estates built since the 2000s on reactive clay. New-build driveways, alfresco areas and side paths are typical, usually on level lots with good truck access.
Get a quote for your job in the Hills District
Call us or use the calculator for an instant estimate, then we'll confirm it at a free site inspection.