Home building glossary

Plain English meanings of 718 Australian building and construction terms.

A

A.C.C (Authority to Commence Construction): Official permission from council to begin building work once all conditions are met.
Absorption Pit: Underground pit allowing stormwater infiltration.
Accessibility Standards: Requirements for access by people with disabilities.
AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability): Likelihood of flood event in any year.
Agricultural Drain: Subsurface pipe removing excess water from land.
Allotment: Individual lot or parcel of subdivided land.
Allotment Drainage: Stormwater drainage system for individual lots.
Amendment: Change to planning scheme or controls.
Annotated Drawing: Drawing with explanatory notes.
Approval: Official permission from planning authority.
Approved Subdivision: Subdivision approved by consent authority.
APZ (Asset Protection Zone): Managed land reducing bushfire attack.
Architect: Licensed professional designing buildings and overseeing construction.
Architectural Drawings: Set of plans showing building design.
Architectural Plans: Drawn representations of building layout.
ARI (Annual Recurrence Interval): Average time between flood events of given size.
As-Built Documentation: Documents showing final constructed condition.
As-Built Drawing: Drawing showing actual construction as completed.
As-Built Plan: Plan reflecting actual construction completed.
Assembly Detail: Drawing showing how components fit together.
Assessment: Evaluation of development application.
Asset Protection Zone (APZ): Managed land reducing bushfire attack.
Attack Level: See Bushfire Attack Level.
Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB): Body maintaining National Construction Code.
Authority: Government body with regulatory powers.
Axonometric Drawing: Three-dimensional drawing without vanishing points.

B

BAL (Bushfire Attack Level): Rating system measuring bushfire risk to buildings.
BAL-12.5: Low bushfire attack level requiring minimal construction measures.
BAL-19: Moderate bushfire attack level requiring specific construction standards.
BAL-29: High bushfire attack level requiring enhanced construction.
BAL-40: Very high bushfire attack level requiring significant protection.
BAL-FZ: Flame Zone - highest bushfire risk requiring maximum protection.
BAL-LOW: Minimal bushfire risk area with standard construction.
Base Flood Level: Water level during design flood event.
Baseline: Primary reference line for measurements.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index): NSW scheme that sets water, energy and thermal comfort targets for new homes and some alterations. A BASIX certificate is produced with an online tool and lodged with your approval, and the commitments on it must be built.
Batter: The slope of an embankment or cutting, expressed as ratio or angle.
Battering: Creating sloped surfaces for stability and drainage.
Battle-Axe Lot: Lot with narrow access strip to street (like axe shape).
Bearing Capacity: The load-carrying ability of soil under foundation loads.
Bench Mark (BM): A surveyed reference point with known elevation.
Benching: Cutting stepped terraces into slopes for stability.
Berm: A flat ledge or shoulder on slope or embankment.
Bid Drawing: Drawing issued for contractor bidding.
Bid Set: Complete set of drawings for bidding.
Bidding Documents: Documents for contractor bidding process.
Bill of Quantities (BOQ): Itemised list of quantities for costing.
BIM Drawing: Drawing extracted from building information model.
BIM Model: Building information model representing building.
Bioretention Basin: Landscaped depression filtering and infiltrating stormwater.
Block Diagram: Simple diagram showing major elements and relationships.
Boundary: Legal limit of property or lot.
Boundary Adjustment: Minor change to lot boundaries.
Boundary Survey: Official determination of property limits.
Bubble Diagram: Schematic showing space relationships.
Building Application: Request for building permit.
Building Certifier: Professional verifying compliance with building codes.
Building Code: Regulations for building construction.
Building Inspector: Official examining construction for code compliance.
Building Permit: Official approval to construct.
Building Section: Vertical slice through building showing heights and construction.
Building Surveyor: Professional assessing building condition and defects.
Bulk Earthworks: Large-scale excavation, filling, and grading operations.
Bushfire: Uncontrolled fire in bush, forest, or grassland.
Bushfire Assessment: Evaluation of bushfire risk for development.
Bushfire Attack: Impact of fire, heat, embers, and smoke on buildings.
Bushfire Consultant: Specialist assessing bushfire risk and protection measures.
Bushfire Hazard: Potential threat from bushfire.
Bushfire Management Plan: Strategy managing bushfire risks for development.
Bushfire Prone Area: Land identified as at risk from bushfire.
Bushfire Prone Land: See Bushfire Prone Area.
Bushfire Protection Measures: Construction and landscaping reducing fire risk.
Bushfire Report: Document detailing bushfire assessment and requirements.
Bushfire Risk: Likelihood and consequence of bushfire impact.
Bushfire Risk Assessment: Analysis of bushfire danger and required protection.
Bushfire Shutters: Closures protecting windows from ember attack.

C

CAD Drawing: Drawing created with computer-aided design software.
Cadastral Survey: Survey defining property boundaries and land parcels.
Callout: Annotation pointing to specific element.
Catchment: Area draining to a common point or watercourse.
Catchment Area: Total land area contributing runoff to drainage system.
CBR (California Bearing Ratio): Test measuring soil strength for pavement design.
Ceiling Plan: Drawing showing ceiling treatments and lighting locations.
Centre Line: Light line indicating axis or centre.
Certificate of Title: Legal document proving land ownership.
Certification: Verification of compliance with codes.
Channel: Open watercourse conveying stormwater.
Check Mark: Symbol indicating verification or approval.
Circulation Diagram: Diagram showing movement paths.
Civil Contractor: Contractor specialising in infrastructure and earthworks.
Civil Engineer: Professional designing infrastructure, roads, drainage systems.
Civil Works: Infrastructure construction including roads, drainage, utilities.
Classified Vegetation: Vegetation type influencing bushfire risk.
Coastal Flooding: Inundation from sea level rise or storm surge.
Colour-Coded Drawing: Drawing using colours to distinguish elements.
Commissioning Plan: Document for equipment startup and testing.
Common Property: Land owned jointly by lot owners.
Community Title: Subdivision creating common property and individual lots.
Compaction: Process of densifying soil to increase bearing capacity.
Compaction Test: Laboratory or field test measuring soil density.
Compliance: Meeting all legal requirements and standards.
Compliance Certificate: Document confirming code compliance.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC): Complying development is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward development that can be determined through a fast-track assessment by a council or an accredited certifier
Concept Design: Initial design exploration of ideas and possibilities.
Concept Scheme: Basic design arrangement before refinement.
Conceptual Diagram: Diagram illustrating design concept.
Conditions of Consent: Requirements attached to development approval.
Conditions of Development: See Conditions of Consent.
Connection Detail: Drawing showing how elements join.
Consent: See Development Consent.
Consent Authority: Body authorised to approve development.
Consolidation: Combining multiple lots into single title.
Construction Administration (CA): Phase where architect oversees construction implementation.
Construction Administration Phase: Phase supervising and administering construction contract.
Construction Certificate: Approval that plans comply with Building Code.
Construction Document Phase: Phase creating documents required for bidding and construction.
Construction Documents (CD): Detailed drawings and specifications for construction.
Construction Drawings: Complete set of drawings for construction.
Construction Standard: Requirements for bushfire construction areas.
Constructive Details: Drawings showing how components connect.
Contour: Line on plan connecting points of equal elevation.
Contour Line: See Contour.
Contour Survey: Survey mapping ground elevation variations.
Contract Documents: Documents forming construction contract basis.
Contractor: Company or individual undertaking construction work.
Coordination Drawing: Drawing showing how different systems work together.
Coordination Meeting: Meeting reviewing drawing coordination.
Corner Lot: Lot at intersection of two streets.
Council: Local government authority.
Cross Section: Section cutting perpendicular to main axis.
Culvert: Pipe or structure conveying water under road or embankment.
Cut: Excavation removing earth to lower ground level.
Cut and Fill: Earthwork balancing excavation with filling.
Cutaway View: Drawing showing interior by removing portions.
Cutting: Excavated area or trench through higher ground.

D

DA: See Development Application.
Datum: Reference line or plane for measurements.
Datum Level: Reference elevation for site measurements (often AHD).
DCP: See Development Control Plan.
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS): Compliance through prescribed solutions.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions: Prescriptive code solutions.
Defects Liability: Period during which builder rectifies defects.
Defendable Space: Managed area around building reducing fire risk.
Deferred Commencement: Approval delayed pending conditions.
Delegated Authority: Power to approve certain applications without full council.
Deposited Plan (DP): Registered survey plan showing subdivision.
Design Approval: Official acceptance of design by authorities.
Design Brief: Project requirements document guiding design process.
Design Clarification: Explanation of design intent or details.
Design Coordination: Ensuring all design disciplines work together.
Design Development (DD): Second phase refining schematic design with greater detail.
Design Development Phase: Phase developing approved schematic design further.
Design Flood: Flood event for which protection is designed.
Design Flood Level (DFL): Water surface elevation for design flood.
Design Freeze: Point at which design is finalised and no further changes made.
Design Guidelines: Standards controlling design approach for project.
Design Integration: Process combining different design elements cohesively.
Design Intent: Original purpose and vision behind design decisions.
Design Modifications: Alterations to design meeting new requirements.
Design Narrative: Written explanation of design philosophy and approach.
Design Principles: Fundamental concepts guiding design decisions.
Design Professional: General term for architects, engineers, and specialists.
Design Program: Detailed list of space requirements and specifications.
Design Review: Evaluation of design by stakeholders or authorities.
Design Revisions: Changes made to design during development.
Design Sketch: Drawing clarifying design approach or details.
Design Standards: Required specifications for design elements.
Detail: Large-scale drawing showing specific assembly or connection.
Detailed Design: Design with specific dimensions and material specifications.
Details: Plural of Detail.
Detention Basin: Temporary storage area slowing stormwater release.
Detention System: Infrastructure temporarily storing stormwater.
Developer: Entity undertaking property development projects.
Development: Carrying out of building, engineering, or other operations.
Development Application (DA): Formal request to undertake development.
Development Approval: Official permission to proceed with development.
Development Consent: Permission granted for development application.
Development Contribution: Payment towards infrastructure costs.
Development Control Plan (DCP): Guidelines supplementing planning scheme.
Development Proposal: Submitted plan for new development or change of use.
Development Standard: Minimum requirement in planning scheme.
DFL: See Design Flood Level.
Digital Drawing: Drawing created using computer software.
Dimension: Linear measurement marked on drawing.
Dimension Line: Line indicating dimension between points.
Dimensioning: Process of marking measurements on drawings.
Discharge: Volume of water flowing past point per unit time.
Discharge Point: Location where stormwater exits drainage system.
Diversion Channel: Channel redirecting water flow.
Door Schedule: List of all doors with specifications.
Downpipe: Vertical pipe carrying roof water to drainage system.
DP: See Deposited Plan.
Drain: Pipe or channel removing stormwater or wastewater.
Drainage Basin: See Catchment.
Drainage Easement: Legal right for drainage infrastructure on property.
Drainage Line: Natural or constructed watercourse.
Drainage Plan: Drawing showing stormwater and wastewater systems.
Drainage Reserve: Land reserved for drainage infrastructure.
Drainage System: Network collecting and conveying stormwater.
Drawing Index: List of all drawings in set.
Drawing List: See Drawing Index.
Drawing Markup: Annotations or corrections to drawing.
Drawing Number: Identification code for each drawing.
Drawing Title: Name or description of drawing content.
Dry Well: Pit allowing stormwater infiltration into soil.
Dual Occupancy: Two dwellings on one lot of land.

E

Easement: Right to use another's land for specific purpose (access, drainage, services).
Effective Slope: Ground slope affecting fire behaviour under building.
EIS: See Environmental Impact Statement.
Electrical Drawings: Set of plans showing electrical design.
Electrical Engineer: Professional designing electrical systems.
Electrical Layout: Drawing showing electrical outlet and switch locations.
Electrical Permit: Approval for electrical work.
Electrical Plan: Drawing showing electrical system layout.
Elevation: Drawing showing exterior or interior vertical view.
Elevations: Plural of Elevation.
Embankment: Raised earth structure above natural ground level.
Ember Attack: Ignition from windborne embers ahead of fire front.
Ember Guard: Mesh preventing ember entry through openings.
Energy Compliance Certificate: Document confirming energy efficiency standards.
Energy Dissipator: Structure reducing water velocity and erosion.
Energy Efficiency: Design minimising energy consumption.
Engineering Plans: Detailed drawings for subdivision infrastructure.
Environmental Assessment: Study of development's environmental impacts.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Detailed study of major development impacts.
Environmental Planning Instrument: Legal planning document (LEP, SEPP).
Equipment Schedule: List of equipment to be installed.
Erosion: Wearing away of soil by water or wind.
Erosion Control: Measures preventing soil loss.
Estimator: Professional calculating construction costs.
Evacuation Route: Designated path for leaving flood-prone areas.
Excavation: Removal of soil, rock, or other materials from site.
Exhibition: Public display period for proposed planning changes.
Exhibition Period: Time public can view and comment on proposals.
Exploded View: Drawing showing components separated for clarity.
Exposure: Direction building faces relative to fire approach.
Exterior Elevations: Drawings showing building facades.

F

Facilities Manager: Professional managing building operations.
Feasibility Study: Investigation determining if project is viable.
Fill: Imported or relocated material raising ground level.
Filter Strip: Vegetated area treating stormwater runoff.
Final Approval: Ultimate acceptance of design before construction.
Final Design: Completed design ready for construction.
Final Drawing: Last drawing issued before project close.
Final Plan: Completed survey plan registered with Land Titles Office.
Finish Schedule: List specifying finishes for each space.
Fire Danger Index (FDI): Measure of fire weather conditions.
Fire Danger Rating: System communicating fire danger level.
Fire Front: Leading edge of bushfire.
Fire Management Plan: Strategy for fire prevention and response.
Fire Prone Vegetation: Plants contributing to bushfire fuel load.
Fire Rating: Resistance of building element to fire in minutes.
Fire Resistance Level (FRL): Time building element resists fire (e.g., 60/60/60).
Fire Retardant: Coating or treatment reducing flammability.
Fire Safety: Requirements preventing fire spread and ensuring egress.
Fire Safety Certificate: Document confirming fire safety compliance.
Fire Trail: Access route for firefighting vehicles.
Fixture Schedule: List of plumbing or electrical fixtures.
Flame Contact: Direct contact with flames during bushfire.
Flame Zone: Area subject to direct flame contact - see BAL-FZ.
Flash Flooding: Sudden flooding from intense rainfall.
Flood: Overflow of water onto normally dry land.
Flood Affectation: Land subject to flooding.
Flood Assessment: Study determining flood risk and levels.
Flood Event: Occurrence of flooding.
Flood Extent: Area covered by flood waters.
Flood Fringe: Land subject to shallow or infrequent flooding.
Flood Hazard: Danger to life and property from flooding.
Flood Impact Assessment: Analysis of development's effect on flooding.
Flood Level: Elevation of water surface during flood.
Flood Liable Land: Land susceptible to flooding.
Flood Mitigation: Measures reducing flood risk and impact.
Flood Model: Computer simulation predicting flood behaviour.
Flood Planning Area: Land potentially affected by flooding up to probable maximum flood.
Flood Planning Level (FPL): Minimum floor level accounting for flood risk and freeboard.
Flood Prone Land: Land susceptible to flooding from defined flood event.
Flood Protection: Infrastructure or design preventing flood damage.
Flood Report: Document detailing flood risk and recommendations.
Flood Risk: Combination of flood likelihood and consequences.
Flood Risk Management: Approach addressing flood risks.
Flood Storage: Volume of water stored in floodplain.
Flood Study: Investigation of flooding behaviour and extent.
Floodplain: Land adjoining watercourse subject to inundation.
Floodplain Management: Coordinated approach managing flood-prone areas.
Floodplain Risk Management Plan: Strategy managing flood risks.
Floodway: Part of floodplain conveying significant flow.
Floor Plan: Top-down view of a building storey or level.
Floor Plans: Drawings showing room arrangements at each level.
Flow Diagram: Diagram showing process or material flow.
Footing: Foundation element distributing building loads to soil.
Foreman: Supervisor of construction workers on-site.
Foundation Plan: Drawing showing foundation design and footings.
FPL: See Flood Planning Level.
Freeboard: Additional height above design flood level for safety margin.
French Drain: Gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe for drainage.
FRL: See Fire Resistance Level.
Frontage: Width of lot along street boundary.
Fuel Load: Amount of combustible vegetation in area.
Fuel Reduction: Removal or modification of combustible materials.
Function Diagram: Diagram showing relationships between spaces.

G

Gateway Determination: Initial approval for planning proposal to proceed.
General Conditions: Standard contract terms and conditions.
General Contractor: Primary contractor responsible for overall project.
General Specifications: Requirements applying to entire project.
Geotechnical Engineer: Engineer specialising in soil mechanics and foundations.
Geotechnical Investigation: Testing and analysis of soil conditions.
Geotechnical Report: Document detailing soil conditions and foundation recommendations.
GPT (Gross Pollutant Trap): Device removing litter and debris from stormwater.
Grade: Ground surface level or slope.
Gradient: Slope of drain, channel, or surface for water flow.
Grading: Shaping of site to achieve desired elevations and drainage.
Grading Plan: Drawing showing site elevation changes and earthwork.
Graphic Symbol: Drawing symbol representing element.
Grated Inlet: Surface drain with grate preventing blockage.
Green Title: Individual freehold land title with no common property.
Grid: Reference system using letters and numbers.
Grid Lines: Reference lines forming measurement grid.
Ground Beam: Reinforced concrete beam at or near ground level.
Ground Level (GL): Natural or finished ground surface elevation.
Ground Slope: The incline or gradient of land surface.
Groundwater: Water present below ground surface in soil pores.
Groundwater Level: Depth below surface where soil is saturated.
Growth Area: Designated region for future urban development.
Gully: Surface water inlet; or small valley.
Gully Pit: Pit collecting surface water for drainage system.
Gully Trap: Drain fitting with water seal preventing odours.

H

Habitable Room: Room used for living purposes (must be above flood level).
Hamlet Lot Subdivision: Rural subdivision creating small lots.
Hatch Pattern: Pattern indicating material type on drawing.
Haul Road: Temporary road for moving earth and materials.
Head: Water pressure expressed as elevation difference.
Health & Safety Officer: Professional ensuring workplace safety compliance.
Health & Safety Regulations: Laws protecting worker safety.
Heritage Listing: Formal recognition of item's heritage significance.
Hidden Line: Dashed line indicating element behind surface.
HVAC Layout: Drawing showing duct locations and equipment.
HVAC Plan: Drawing showing heating and cooling system layout.
Hydraulic Category: Classification of flood hazard and behaviour.
Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL): Line showing water pressure in pipe system.
Hydraulic Model: Computer model simulating water flow.
Hydrological Study: Analysis of water flow and drainage patterns.

I

Impervious Area: Surfaces preventing water infiltration (roofs, paving).
Imported Fill: Material brought to site to raise ground levels.
Infiltration: Movement of water into soil from surface.
Infiltration Basin: Depression allowing stormwater to soak into ground.
Infrastructure: Essential systems and facilities serving development.
Infrastructure Charges: Fees for water, sewer, roads, and services.
Infrastructure Planning: Planning for roads, utilities, and community facilities.
Inlet: Opening where water enters drainage system.
Inner Protection Area (IPA): Zone immediately around building with minimal vegetation.
Inspection: Official examination of work for compliance.
Inspection Report: Document recording official inspection results.
Insurance: Required coverage for construction and building.
Insurance Requirements: Document specifying required insurance coverage.
Integrated Housing: Mixed housing types in subdivision.
Interim Drawing: Temporary drawing during design development.
Interior Designer: Professional designing interior spaces and finishes.
Interior Elevations: Drawings showing interior wall treatments.
Inundation: Flooding or submersion of land.
Invert: Bottom inside surface elevation of pipe or channel.
IPA: See Inner Protection Area.
Isometric Drawing: Three-dimensional drawing showing three sides equally.
Issue for Construction: Drawings released for building phase.
Issue for Permit: Drawings submitted to authorities.

K

Kerb and Gutter: Road edge with drainage channel.
Kerb Inlet: Opening in kerb allowing water to enter drain.

L

Land Division: See Subdivision.
Land Management Zone: Designated area with vegetation management requirements.
Land Release: Making land available for urban development.
Land Use: Permitted activity or purpose on land.
Land Use Zone: Classification determining permitted uses.
Land Use Zoning: Designation of permitted uses.
Landscape Architect: Professional designing outdoor spaces.
Landscape Plan: Drawing showing outdoor plantings and features.
Legal Point of Discharge: Approved location for stormwater drainage.
Legend: Key explaining symbols used on drawings.
LEP: See Local Environmental Plan.
Levee: Embankment preventing floodwaters from entering area.
Level: Elevation relative to datum; or surveying instrument.
Level Spreader: Device distributing flow evenly across width.
Levelling: Process of determining or creating level surfaces.
Liability: Legal responsibility for damages or injuries.
Licence: Official permission to practise trade or profession.
Lighting Design: Planning of lighting including intensity and colour.
Lighting Plan: Drawing showing artificial lighting locations.
Line Style: Type of line (solid, dashed, phantom) indicating element type.
Line Weight: Thickness of drawing lines conveying information.
Linen Plan: Architectural plan on linen fabric (historical).
Local Area Plan: Plan for specific neighbourhood or suburb.
Local Environmental Plan (LEP): Primary planning control instrument.
Local Regulations: Municipality-specific requirements.
Longitudinal Section: Section cutting along length of building.
Lot: Individual parcel of land in subdivision.
Lot Consolidation: See Consolidation.
Lot Size: Area of individual land parcel.

M

Maintenance Manual: Guide for system maintenance requirements.
Major Drainage System: System handling rare large storm events.
Master Plan: Comprehensive development plan for large area.
Material Callout: Annotation specifying material to be used.
Material Indication: Symbol or pattern showing material.
Material Schedule: List of materials to be used in project.
Matrix Diagram: Grid comparing multiple factors.
Means and Methods: How work is to be performed (specification).
Mechanical Drawings: Set of plans showing mechanical design.
Mechanical Engineer: Professional designing HVAC and mechanical systems.
Mechanical Permit: Approval for HVAC and mechanical work.
Mechanical Plan: Drawing showing mechanical systems.
Minimum Floor Level: Lowest permissible floor elevation relative to flood level.
Minor Drainage System: System handling frequent smaller storms.
Mixed Use Development: Development combining residential and commercial uses.

N

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme): National scheme that rates a home design out of 10 stars for thermal performance, using accredited software, your plans and the local climate zone. It is the most common way to show a new home meets the National Construction Code energy efficiency requirements.

O

Objection: Formal opposition to development or rezoning.
Oblique Drawing: Three-dimensional drawing with parallel projection.
Occupancy Permit: Approval to occupy completed building.
Occupation Certificate: Permission to occupy completed building.
On-Site Detention (OSD): Stormwater storage on individual properties.
One-Point Perspective: Drawing with single vanishing point.
OPA: See Outer Protection Area.
Operations Manual: Guide for building operation and maintenance.
Organisational Chart: Diagram showing hierarchical structure.
Orthographic Drawing: Standard projection drawing (plan, section, elevation).
Orthographic Projection: Standard drawing projection method.
OSD: See On-Site Detention.
Outer Protection Area (OPA): Zone beyond IPA with managed vegetation.
Outfall: Point where drainage discharges to receiving water.
Outlet: Opening where water exits drainage system.
Outlet Structure: Control structure regulating discharge from detention.
Outline Specification: Brief specification of key requirements.
Overbank Flow: Floodwater flowing outside defined channel.
Overland Flow: Surface water flowing across land during heavy rain.
Overland Flow Path: Route taken by surface water during flooding.

P

Pad: Prepared level area for building or equipment placement.
Pad Level: Elevation of prepared building platform.
Parametric Drawing: Drawing with relationships updating automatically.
Parent Lot: Original land parcel before subdivision.
Pavement: Hard surface for roads, paths, or driveways.
Pavement Design: Engineering design for road or paving structures.
PDF Drawing: Drawing in portable document format.
Peak Flood Level: Highest water level during flood event.
Peak Flow: Maximum discharge rate during storm event.
Performance Criteria: Outcomes required rather than prescriptive solutions.
Performance Requirements: Outcomes buildings must achieve.
Performance Solution: Alternative compliance method demonstrating outcomes met.
Performance Specification: Specification defining required performance level.
Permissible: Development allowed with consent in zone.
Permit: Official approval for specific work.
Permit Drawings: Set submitted for building permit.
Permitted Development: Development allowed without consent.
Perspective Drawing: Drawing showing building as seen by eye.
Pervious Area: Surfaces allowing water infiltration (gardens, grass).
Pervious Pavement: Paving allowing water infiltration through surface.
Phantom Line: Light dashed line indicating moved or optional element.
Pier: Column-like foundation element supporting structure.
Pile: Deep foundation element transferring loads through weak soil.
Piling: Installation of deep foundation piles.
Pipe: Circular conduit conveying stormwater.
Pipe Invert: See Invert.
Pit: Chamber providing access to underground drainage.
Plan of Subdivision: Survey plan showing new lot layout.
Planning Certificate: Document stating planning controls on property.
Planning Permission: See Development Consent.
Planning Proposal: Request to amend Local Environmental Plan.
Planning Regulations: Laws governing land use and development.
Planning Scheme: Set of planning documents controlling development.
Planting Plan: Drawing specifying plant locations and species.
Platform: Prepared level area for construction or use.
Plot Plan: Alternative term for Site Plan.
Plumbing Drawings: Set of plans showing plumbing design.
Plumbing Layout: Drawing showing fixture and pipe locations.
Plumbing Permit: Approval for plumbing work.
Plumbing Plan: Drawing showing water and waste systems.
PMF: See Probable Maximum Flood.
Ponding: Accumulation of water on surface due to inadequate drainage.
Power Plan: Drawing showing electrical power system.
Precinct: Defined area with specific planning controls.
Precinct Plan: Detailed plan for defined area.
Preferred Scheme: Design option selected for development.
Preliminary Assessment: Initial review of development proposal.
Preliminary Concept: Initial design ideas before development.
Preliminary Design: Early design concepts and sketches before detailed planning.
Preliminary Drawing: Drawing before final approval.
Preliminary Sketch: Initial rough drawings of design concepts.
Prescribed Development: Development requiring specific assessment.
Prescriptive Specification: Specification detailing exact materials and methods.
Priority Precinct: Area designated for accelerated development.
Probable Maximum Flood (PMF): Largest flood that could conceivably occur.
Proctor Test: Standard soil compaction test in laboratory.
Profile: Cross-sectional view of ground or proposed earthworks.
Program Verification: Confirming project requirements are met in design.
Prohibited Development: Development not permitted in zone.
Prohibition: Land use not permitted in zone.
Project Manager: Professional managing all aspects of project delivery.
Project Manual: Comprehensive document containing all project information.
Public Consultation: Process seeking community views on proposals.
Public Domain: Publicly accessible areas.
Public Exhibition: Period when community can view and comment on proposals.
Public Notification: Informing community of development proposals.

Q

Q100: 100-year average recurrence interval flood (1% AEP).
Quality Plan: Document establishing quality control procedures.
Quality Standards: Required levels of workmanship and materials.
Quantity Schedule: List with quantities of materials.
Quantity Surveyor: Professional estimating costs and managing budgets.

R

Radiant Heat: Heat transfer through radiation from fire.
Radiant Heat Flux: Intensity of radiant heat measured in kW/m².
Raft Foundation: Continuous reinforced slab foundation distributing loads.
Rain Garden: Planted depression collecting and filtering stormwater.
Rainfall Intensity: Rate of rainfall for design storm event.
Raised Floor: Floor elevated above flood planning level.
Ramp: Sloped surface connecting different levels.
Raster Drawing: Drawing composed of pixels.
Reconfiguration: Subdivision or consolidation changing lot configuration.
Record Documentation: Official documents maintained for reference.
Record Drawing: Drawing maintained showing final construction.
Record Set: Final approved drawings for project record.
Redline: Markup of drawing with red markings.
Redlined Drawing: Drawing marked with corrections or changes.
Reduced Level (RL): Elevation above Australian Height Datum (AHD).
Reference Line: Line from which measurements are taken.
Referral: Sending application to external agency for comment.
Reflected Ceiling Plan: Drawing showing ceiling design and features.
Reflected Plan: See Reflected Ceiling Plan.
Regional Plan: Strategic plan covering multiple local government areas.
Residue Lot: Remaining land after subdivision of portions.
Retaining Structure: Wall or system preventing soil movement.
Retaining Wall: Structure holding back soil at elevation change.
Retention Basin: Basin permanently holding water with no outflow.
Revision Cloud: Outline indicating modified area.
Revision Delta: Triangle symbol indicating revision.
Revision Mark: Symbol indicating drawing changes.
Revision Note: Annotation explaining drawing change.
Rezone: Change zoning classification of land.
Rezoning: Process of changing land use zoning.
Rezoning Application: Request to change land's zoning classification.
RFI (Request for Information): Question submitted regarding plans or specifications.
RFI Drawing: Drawing submitted with request for information.
Right of Carriageway: Easement for vehicle access across land.
Right of Way: Easement for pedestrian or vehicle access.
Riparian Land: Land adjacent to watercourse.
Riprap: Large rock protecting channels from erosion.
River Flooding: Flooding from river overflowing banks.
Riverine Flooding: See River Flooding.
RL: See Reduced Level.
Roads and Drainage: Infrastructure required in subdivisions.
Roadworks: Construction or maintenance of roads and pavements.
Rock Excavation: Removal of solid rock requiring breaking or blasting.
Roof Drainage: System collecting and conveying roof water.
Roof Framing Plan: Drawing showing structural roof system.
Roof Plan: Drawing showing roof layout and features.
Runoff: Water flowing across surface from rainfall.
Runoff Coefficient: Factor relating rainfall to runoff volume.

S

Safety Plan: Document outlining safety procedures.
Safety Standards: Requirements ensuring occupant safety.
Scale: Ratio between drawing size and actual size.
Scale Bar: Graphic showing measurement scale.
Schedule: List specifying components, materials, or finishes.
Schematic Design (SD): Initial design phase establishing basic concept and form.
Schematic Design Phase: First major phase of architectural design development.
Schematic Drawing: Simplified drawing showing basic concepts.
Scheme Refinement: Process improving selected design scheme.
Scour: Erosion of soil by flowing water.
Scour Protection: Rock or concrete preventing erosion.
SD: See Schematic Design.
Section: Drawing showing building cut vertically through space.
Section 4.55 Modification: NSW system for modifying development consents.
Section 68: NSW Local Government Act approval for activities.
Section 73: Queensland instrument creating easements and covenants.
Section 88B: NSW instrument creating easements and restrictions.
Sections: Plural of Section.
Sediment: Soil particles transported and deposited by water.
Sediment Basin: Temporary pond capturing sediment during construction.
Sediment Control: Measures preventing soil washing into waterways.
Sedimentation: Settling of suspended particles in water.
SEPP: See State Environmental Planning Policy.
Services: Utilities required for subdivision (water, sewer, electricity, gas, communications).
Set Out: Marking site locations for construction elements.
Setback: Minimum distance from boundary to building.
Setting Out: Process of marking building positions on site.
Sewer Connection: Connection to public sewerage system.
Sewer Plan: Drawing showing wastewater system routing.
Sheet Flow: Shallow uniform flow across surface.
Shop Drawing: Drawing prepared by contractor or supplier.
Shop Drawings: Plural of Shop Drawing.
Shoring: Temporary support for excavation walls or structures.
Sign-Off: Official approval that work meets standards.
Silt: Fine soil particles easily transported by water.
Silt Fence: Temporary fabric barrier trapping sediment.
Site Classification: Vegetation and slope affecting bushfire behaviour.
Site Compatibility Certificate: Approval for building on certain sites.
Site Cut: Excavation to lower site levels.
Site Fill: Material raising site levels.
Site Level: Elevation of site relative to datum.
Site Manager: Senior on-site professional managing construction activities.
Site Plan: Drawing showing building location on property.
Site Plans: Plural of Site Plan.
Site Survey: Measurement and mapping of existing site conditions.
Sketch Design: Preliminary drawn representations of design.
Slope: Incline of ground surface, embankment, or cutting.
Slope Stability: Resistance of slope to sliding or failure.
Soakage: Infiltration of water into soil.
Soakage Trench: Gravel-filled trench allowing water infiltration.
Soakaway: Underground pit or trench for water infiltration.
Soil Classification: System categorising soil types and properties.
Soil Profile: Vertical section showing soil layers and characteristics.
Soil Report: See Geotechnical Report.
Soil Test: Laboratory or field testing of soil properties.
Solid Line: Continuous line indicating visible element.
Space Planning: Arrangement of spaces for optimal functionality.
Special Conditions: Project-specific contract modifications.
Special Specifications: Requirements for specific trades or items.
Specification: Detailed written description of materials and workmanship.
Specifications: Plural of Specification.
Spill: Overflow point at top of detention basin.
Spillway: Channel conveying overflow from storage.
Spoil: Excavated material not reused on site.
Spot Rezoning: Rezoning small site different from surrounding area.
Spread Footing: Wide shallow foundation distributing loads.
SSD: See State Significant Development.
SSI: See State Significant Infrastructure.
Staged Development: See Staging.
Staging: Developing subdivision in sequential phases.
State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP): Planning policy overriding local controls.
State Significant Development (SSD): Major project determined by state government.
State Significant Infrastructure (SSI): Major infrastructure project of state importance.
State Significant Precinct: Large area declared significant for state.
Storm Event: Rainfall of specific intensity and duration.
Stormwater: Rainwater flowing across surfaces and into drains.
Stormwater Flooding: Flooding from inadequate stormwater drainage.
Stormwater Management Plan: Strategy for site drainage and water quality.
Stormwater Quality: Measures treating runoff before discharge.
Strata Title: Subdivision creating individually owned units with common property.
Strategic Plan: Long-term planning vision and direction.
Strategic Planning: Long-term land use and infrastructure planning.
Strip Footing: Continuous foundation beneath walls.
Structural Certificate: Document confirming structural integrity.
Structural Engineer: Professional designing structural systems.
Structural Safety: Requirements ensuring building stability.
Structure Plan: Framework guiding future development of area.
Sub-contractor: Contractor working under main contractor.
Subdivision: Division of land into two or more lots.
Subdivision Application: Request to divide land into lots.
Subdivision Certificate: Approval allowing lot registration.
Subdivision Plan: See Plan of Subdivision.
Subdivision Works: Infrastructure constructed for subdivision.
Subgrade: Prepared soil surface beneath pavement or slab.
Submission: Written response during public exhibition period.
Submittal: Contractor submission of shop drawings for approval.
Submittal Drawing: Drawing submitted for review and approval.
Surcharge: Pressure exceeding normal operating level in pipes.
Surface Runoff: See Runoff.
Survey: Measurement and mapping of land and features.
Survey Mark: Physical marker indicating survey point.
Survey Peg: Wooden stake marking site positions.
Survey Plan: Accurate plan showing lot boundaries and dimensions.
Survey-Strata: Strata subdivision using survey measurements.
Surveyor: Professional conducting land surveys.
Surveyor (Land): Professional determining property boundaries.
Sustainability Requirements: Standards for environmental performance.
Swale: Shallow vegetated channel conveying and treating stormwater.
Swept Path Analysis: Analysis of vehicle turning movements.
Symbol: Graphic representing component or material.

T

Technical Drawings: Drawings specifying technical requirements.
Technical Specifications: Written description of technical requirements.
Technical Specifications Document: Detailed written specification requirements.
Test Report: Document recording system testing results.
Three-Point Perspective: Drawing with three vanishing points.
Tide Gate: One-way gate preventing tidal backflow.
Time of Concentration: Time for water to travel from furthest point to outlet.
Timeline Diagram: Diagram showing sequence of events.
Title Block: Information box on drawings with project details.
Topographical Survey: Survey mapping site contours and features.
Topography: Surface features and elevation variations of land.
Torrens Title: System of land registration in Australia.
Town Planner: Professional advising on planning matters.
Town Planning: Profession managing urban development and land use.
Trash Rack: Screen preventing debris entering drainage system.
Tree Diagram: Hierarchical diagram branching from main elements.
Trench: Narrow excavation for pipes, cables, or foundations.
Trenching: Excavating narrow channels for services.
Tributary: Smaller watercourse contributing to larger.
Two-Point Perspective: Drawing with two vanishing points.

U

Uncompacted Fill: Loose fill material not yet compacted.
Undercut: Excavation below specified level.
Underground Storage: Below-ground tank or chamber storing stormwater.
Urban Design: Design of buildings, places, and spaces in urban environment.
Urban Growth Area: Land designated for future urban development.
Urban Planning: See Town Planning.
Urban Release Area: Land being transitioned from rural to urban use.
Utility Plan: Drawing showing locations of utilities on site.
Utility Services: Essential services to subdivision.

V

Value Engineering: Process reducing costs whilst maintaining quality.
Variation: Departure from planning standard or requirement.
Vector Drawing: Drawing using mathematical points and lines.
Vegetation: Plant life affecting bushfire fuel load.
Vegetation Category: Classification of vegetation affecting fire behaviour.
Vegetation Classification: System categorising vegetation for bushfire assessment.
Velocity: Speed of water flow in pipe or channel.
Vibrating Roller: Equipment compacting soil through vibration.

W

WAE: See Works as Executed.
Wall Section: Detailed section through wall assembly.
Warranty: Guarantee of workmanship and defect-free construction.
Warranty Document: Document detailing warranty coverage periods.
Water Connection: Connection to public water supply.
Water Plan: Drawing showing water supply system routing.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD): Integrated approach managing urban water cycle.
Water Supply: Dedicated water for firefighting purposes.
Water Table: Upper surface of groundwater saturation zone.
Weir: Low wall or dam controlling water level or flow.
Weir Box: Structure with weir controlling discharge rate.
Window Schedule: List of all windows with specifications.
Working Drawings: Detailed drawings used by builders during construction.
Working Plans: See Working Drawings.
Workmanship Standards: Required quality of construction work.
Works as Executed (WAE): Plans showing constructed infrastructure location.
WSUD: See Water Sensitive Urban Design.

Z

Zone: Area with specific land use controls.
Zoning: Classification of land into use categories.
Zoning Certificate: Certificate stating property's zoning.
Zoning Map: Map showing land use zones.

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