In Sydney, different projects require different certifications and approvals. A Development Application (DA) allows your project to secure development approval or consent. This is what paves the way for your project to begin construction (through a Construction Certificate) and be occupied and used once completed (through an Occupation Certificate). For first time applicants, new property owners and newbies in the development industry, development consent and its application can be confusing, especially when it comes to figuring out whether their project falls under a DA.
Why are development applications required for some properties in Sydney?
DAs are required because they provide control on buildings and ensure that they do not seriously change the environment and affect the amenity of people around them. In more detail, DAs do the following:
* Ensures that the cumulative impacts of developments do not negatively affect the environment
* Balances public and private interests by ensuring that the new development fits the character of the area and does not disturb the appearance of the ‘public domain’
* Provides an impartial process that allows the members of the community to raise issues and concerns regarding the development. This also ensures a balanced outcome.
* Ensures that necessary hard and soft infrastructure needed for the development is planned for.
* Ensures that the building has structural integrity, is safe, provides ventilation and natural light and is protected from fire.
As a general rule, here are the assessment pathways for developments. Each takes into account the above factors.
* Exempt development: No approval is needed with this pathway as it has very little impact on the environment, however, it must comply with pre-set standards.
* Complying development: Approval by the certifier of the complying development certificate is needed as there are some predictable environment and amenity impacts. They too must comply with pre-set standards and conditions.
* Development consent: Council approval is needed as there may be major environmental and amenity impacts.
For developments that require development consent for approval, it usually means that they will majorly impact their surroundings. Your local council will be able to tell you what properties do not require or are exempt from DAs. However, DAs are usually needed for small residential developments. Here’s an overview of the types of developments that require a DA.
Types of developments that require development approval
The type of development consent and approval you need depends on specific factors. The following factors and the degree to which it applies to your development is what determines the type of development approval you need.
* The size and cost of your proposed development
* The zone, location and the restrictions which are placed on your land
* The heritage status of the land, buildings and surrounding land
Residential building works
* Alterations and addition to existing dwellings (less than 3 storeys)
* Single new dwellings (less than 3 storeys)
* Dual occupancy dwellings
* Granny flats
* Garages and carports
* Ancillary outbuildings
Commercial building works
* Commercial office fit-outs
* Commercial shopfront renovations
* Signage and advertising structures.
* If building work is required for the opening of a small bar, pub, club, cafe, restaurant or takeaway shop
* The removal or pruning of trees above 5 metres in height, a canopy spread over 5 metres or a trunk diameter of more than 300 millimetres, at ground level.
We hope that by identifying the types of properties that require DAs, you are better able to understand the requirements of your project. If you are ever in doubt about the type of consent needed for your development, you should contact your council.
We know that the DA process is exhausting, however, it can be made a lot easier with the help of a development application consultancy. This service is available through many design companies located right in Sydney. Utilise this service to ensure that your approval is guaranteed so that you can move on to your development more quickly. Whether you are a project specialist or a property owner, we hope that this brief guide of the development application process was helpful.
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