Complying Development Certificates
Complying development is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward development that meets pre-determined standards.
If your proposal sits within these set parameters, it can be assessed and determined by a registered certifier under State planning controls without the need for DA approval from local council, expediting the process.
Complying development allows for a range of things, such as, the construction of a new dwelling house, alterations and additions to a house, swimming pools, secondary dwellings, and demolition of a building.
To initiate the process please speak with your architect or draftsperson for advice on whether complying development is suitable for your project.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET APPROVAL UNDER CDC?
Neighbour notification requirements apply to most complying development. The legislated notification timeframes must be adhered to:
“pre-approval notification” - minimum 14 days; and
“pre-commencement notification” - minimum 7 days,
so the approval process generally takes just under a month.
Not all development requires notification. Smaller projects such as the construction of swimming pools or internal alterations of existing dwellings don't require notification. In these instances, approval generally takes about a fortnight from receipt of the Portal application.
MODIFICATIONS
It is important to note that the building must be consistent with approved CDC plans.
Any changes that are inconsistent with the approval will need to be assessed, and an application to modify the CDC may be required prior to those works commencing (a Modified CDC).
The CDC Process
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Your draftsperson or architect has designed your proposed development to “comply” with the requirements of the relevant SEPP.
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Email us to get a quote and checklist of documents required for the assessment.
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From 1 July 2021, all CDC applications must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal.
1. Register for a NSW Planning Portal account to start your application.
2. Log in to complete the online application form.
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On receipt of your application via the Portal we begin the notification process. In metropolitan areas, a certifier is required to inform neighbours within a 20 metre radius that you have applied for a complying development certificate. The application for the CDC will be determined no sooner than 14 days from the date of this notice. This is called pre-approval notification. The letter simply advises neighbours that you have lodged the application and to contact the applicant if they have any queries. This notice is for information only and aims to encourage neighbours to discuss the development before the proposal is determined (although neighbours cannot make a submission on a neighbouring complying development).
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During this notification period we will assess your application.
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If we have received all the necessary information / documentation and your application “complies” we can then approve your CDC and be appointed as Principal Certifier for the project.
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Again, this notice is for your neighbours’ information only, to provide a minimum 7 days notice prior to any work commencing.
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PRIOR TO COMMENCMENT you will need to contact council to arrange payment of any development contributions or security bonds that may be applicable.
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You’re ready to start - just make sure that you contact Form to arrange mandatory critical stage inspections as required throughout build (minimum 48 hours’ notice required).
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Build is complete - contact Form to conduct the Final Inspection. We will provide a final inspection report detailing all certificates / items required for the Occupation Certificate (OC).
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Submit required documentation and OC application via the NSW Planning Portal
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The OC authorises the occupation and use of a new building or part of a building and is required PRIOR to the use of the new building.
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Happy occupying!
Get a Quote
If you are using a licensed builder and wish to receive a quote for a CDC, please email the the following:
1. Full set of architectural plans;
2. Current Section 10.7 (parts 2 & 5) Planning Certificate (available online from council or via the NSW Planning Portal - https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/post-consent-certificates/online-section-107-planning-certificate-service; and
3. Details of the licensed builder you will be using (or shortlist) – please note Form does not work with Owner Builders.
If we can assist with your project, we will provide you with a fee proposal and a checklist of documents required for the assessment.
