Hi Scarecrow7,
i'm just starting out too, but what i've found must handy is visiting induvidual sydney council websites – they have alot of info on there about rules for subdivision etc. The codes such as 2a etc refer to zoning. such as in the Baulkham Hills council 2a1 means apartments, 2a2 means townhouse zoning etc.
Check out Parramatta, Baulkham Hills and Hornsby councils for details on their development policies.
 all the best, mae