Pedestrian sight line assessment
The most overlooked reason a DA gets knocked back.
A sight line assessment confirms a driver exiting your property can actually see pedestrians and oncoming traffic before crossing the footpath — and vice versa. It's a core AS 2890.1 safety requirement, not paperwork, and a frequent point of rejection when it's skipped.
The sight triangle
AS 2890.1 Figure 3.3 — defines the area that must stay clear using two measurements
‘X’ distance — driver eye setback from the property line, typically a minimum of 2.5m for standard vehicles
‘Y’ distance — required line of sight along the footpath, commonly 2.0m in each direction for low-volume driveways
Anything taller than 1.0m inside this triangle counts as an obstruction.
What commonly gets in the way
Solid walls and fencing, dense landscaping, structural or utility columns, and street furniture — letterboxes, signage, even parked cars — are the usual culprits. Higher pedestrian activity or faster adjacent traffic both push the required distances up further.
How we assess it
- 01
Desktop review of architectural and landscape plans, flagging likely obstructions early
- 02
CAD analysis — a precise digital model plotting the required sight triangles against your actual layout
- 03
Reporting — a formal compliance statement, with clear recommendations wherever the design falls short
How the engagement moves
From enquiry to controlled issue- Step 01Send the project
Provide the site, available drawings and the issue that needs resolving.
- Step 02Confirm the scope
We identify the required assessment, documentation, programme and fee.
- Step 03Assess and coordinate
The technical work is developed against the project and authority requirements.
- Step 04Check and issue
The agreed review is completed before controlled issue and support through comments.
Common questions
Are mirrors an acceptable fix?
Generally a last resort — councils prefer compliant geometry over a mirror's failure points such as damage, distortion and maintenance.
Does this cover both entering and exiting?
Yes, though exiting is usually the primary focus.
Do single dwellings need a formal assessment?
Not always requested formally, but the minimum distances still apply — more likely to be formally checked on busier roads or constrained sites.
What happens if my design fails?
We recommend a fix — relocating the driveway, adjusting the layout, or lowering fencing and landscaping — matched to what your site can actually accommodate.
Send us the drawings. We'll tell you what you need.
2. Plans, if they exist
3. A description of the works
Contactplans@sightlinetraffic.com.au
Suite 413, 388 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
ABN 16 699 960 668