Hornsby at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Council | Hornsby Shire Council |
| Postcode | 2077 (shared with Asquith, Hornsby Heights and Waitara) |
| Typical homes | Federation and interwar houses on the west side, post-war brick homes, a growing ring of apartments around the town centre |
| Heritage | Hornsby West Side conservation area, with Peats Ferry Road, Mount Errington and Pretoria Parade precincts |
| Watch for | Heritage review under way; bushfire-prone land on valley edges; steep, rocky blocks |
Hornsby West Side heritage
Hornsby's main heritage area is the Hornsby West Side conservation area, which Hornsby Shire Council's DCP splits into three precincts: Peats Ferry Road, Mount Errington and Pretoria Parade. Homes here include Federation houses with details such as dichromatic face brick, slate roofs and sandstone piers. In Mount Errington, many larger blocks were subdivided over time and some big houses became nursing homes or apartments, but enough survives for it to be protected. The Mount Errington house itself, a Federation Arts and Crafts home, is on the council heritage list and the National Trust register.
Council's heritage review, run by heritage consultants from 2022, has looked at existing conservation areas and gaps, including post-war buildings. Council has written to owners whose properties may change status. If you got one of those letters, or you're planning major work, check the current position first.
Bushfire and the valleys
Hornsby sits on the Hornsby Plateau, and its streets end in steep bushland valleys. Council publishes bushfire-prone land maps, and many properties near bushland edges are mapped. If yours is, new decks, additions, windows and cladding usually need a bushfire attack level (BAL) assessment and matching materials. Hornsby Heights, which shares the 2077 postcode, is almost surrounded by Berowra Valley bushland, which shows how close the bush is.
- Check your property on the NSW Planning Portal or council's maps.
- Keep gutters clear and consider gutter guards, as leaves and bark build up fast.
- Steep, rocky blocks often need retaining walls and engineered footings.
- Water running off sandstone needs good drainage behind walls and under floors.
Apartments around the town centre
Around the station and Westfield, Hornsby has older walk-ups and many newer apartment buildings, with more proposed. Jobs in these buildings run through the owners corporation: bathroom waterproofing needs a special resolution, flooring may need acoustic underlay and work hours are set by by-laws. Older walk-ups often have no lift, so materials go up the stairs. In newer buildings, check whether a defect is still within the builder's statutory warranty before paying for a repair.
In houses, owners mostly ask for roof restoration, gutter work, bathrooms, kitchens and decks. Read our roof restoration or replacement guide if your roof is showing its age. See the North Shore hub for nearby suburbs.
Popular jobs in Hornsby
Roof restoration
Understand whether repairing and restoring your existing roof is a sensible alternative to replacement.
Get quotesGutter cleaning
Keep gutters and downpipes clear so heavy rain runs where it should, and catch small problems before they become big ones.
Get quotesRetaining wall construction
Plan soil retention, drainage and boundaries together.
Get quotesDeck builders
Create a deck that works with your home, outdoor circulation and site conditions.
Get quotesBathroom renovations
Plan a bathroom around layout, water management, ventilation and finishes before comparing prices.
Get quotesHome extensions
Plan additional space around your existing structure, household needs and site constraints.
Get quotesLocal service guides
Common questions
Is my Hornsby house affected by the heritage review?
Possibly. Hornsby Shire Council's heritage review has looked at existing conservation areas and possible new ones, and council has written to owners where draft studies recommend a change in heritage status. Check council's website for the current stage, and ask council before planning demolition or major work.
Is Hornsby bushfire-prone?
Parts of it are, mainly near the bushland valleys. Hornsby Shire Council publishes bushfire-prone land maps, and you can also check the NSW Planning Portal. If your property is mapped, new building work usually needs a bushfire attack level assessment that sets the construction standard and materials.
Do I need approval for a retaining wall on my Hornsby block?
It depends on height, location and what it holds back. Some low walls can be exempt development if they meet every NSW condition, but taller walls, walls on boundaries and walls supporting structures usually need approval and an engineer. Our retaining wall cost guide explains the options.