New planning rules affecting Surry Hills will take effect in 2026, with all newly approved residential developments required to move away from gas appliances under staged changes applying across the area.
Gas Ban Effectivity Date Confirmed
The new requirements will come into force from 1 January 2026, marking the official start of a gas ban for new residential developments in Surry Hills. From this date, newly approved homes must install electric cooktops, ovens, and indoor heating and cooling systems as part of updated planning controls.
The rules apply only to new developments that require development approval and do not affect existing homes, renovations, or previously approved projects.
Background And Planning Timeline
The changes follow planning work that began in 2023, when the move toward all-electric buildings was first flagged. The updated controls apply across the City of Sydney Local Government Area, which includes Surry Hills and several surrounding inner-city suburbs.
The policy is structured as a staged rollout, giving developers and future homeowners clarity about upcoming requirements well ahead of implementation.
Second Stage Begins In 2027
A further expansion of the rules will take effect from 1 January 2027. From this date, all new residential buildings must be fully electric, extending the ban to outdoor gas fittings such as heaters and barbecues.
This second stage ensures that new homes approved after that date meet full electrification standards rather than partial compliance.
What Is And Is Not Affected
Existing homes in Surry Hills with current gas connections are not impacted by the new rules. Renovations are also largely unaffected where they do not require a new development application. Industrial buildings are exempt under the current planning controls.
Gas hot water systems will still be permitted during the initial phase beginning in 2026. Mixed-use developments may continue to install gas kitchens, provided they are designed so they can be converted to electric systems in the future.
Broader Context
The staged introduction mirrors similar approaches already adopted in Victoria and the ACT, where restrictions on new gas connections are already in place for many residential developments.
What Happens Next
For Surry Hills, the confirmed dates mean developers planning projects from 2026 onward must factor in electric-only requirements, with full electrification mandatory for new homes approved from 2027.
Published 31-Dec-2025
