Determining whether or not you need a complying development certificate (CDC) is not as easy as it may seem. Apart from the CDC you also have Development Application (DA) approval and the ability to be exempt. With so many options, how does one know which is right for their project? Well, one of the best ways is to engage the services of a building design consultant, however, for initial planning or for anyone who is curious, we’ve developed a guide that will help you determine if you need a complying development certificate or not.

What are complying development certificate and DA approval? How are they different?


Both are important parts of the design and construction process, however, they are for very different projects.

The Development Application is assessed for approval by a local council. It is usually needed for builds or renovations of residential buildings.


A Complying Development Certificate is where your renovation or build is assessed against a list of legislative requirements provided by the state government called the SEPP codes or State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes).

Both have different needs, are for very different projects and undergo different processes. To acquire DA approval, your application will undergo a merit-based assessment which considers several different factors including the character of the area as well as Local Environment Policy. However, the process is more complex than this. A Construction Certificate (CC) is required to begin construction and is acquired through an assessment of technical information.

The CDC is simpler as it was designed to be a fast-tracked approval process. It includes both the merit-based assessment and construction elements in its application and can be done by either local council or a private certifier. In your submission, different codes will be needed according to whether you're building/renovating general housing, boarding houses or affordable housing.

How do you know when a CDC is needed?

Frankly, determining when you need a CDC can get complicated, especially when it comes to residential renovations. Take into account the following guidelines to help you conclude whether or not you need a CDC for your project.

-> Check your site
* Not all sites allow CDCs. Some areas such as heritage conservation sites, do not allow for CDCs.
* Other potential site issues can be bush-fire prone lands and critical habitats.
* You can obtain this information through your local council and via 10.7 Planning certificate.

-> Low rise medium development
* Low rise medium developments are dual occupancies with one or two storeys, manor houses and terraces. They will be included as a complying development and therefore only need a complying development certificate where medium density development is already permitted under a council’s local environmental plan.

Bear in mind that these are guidelines and your need for CDC may differ depending on your property. For the most accurate information, contact your local council.

Will you always need a complying development certificate or some type of approval?

No! In some cases, you may not need approval for your project. In this case, your project will fall under ‘exempt development’. Exempt development is one where Council approval is not required once the development meets specific standards and requirements. The 2008 Exempt and Complying Development Code can be found here. These are the standards which your project must comply with. It lists all of the developments which are ‘exempt’ as well as the type of work (e.g. balconies, decks, awnings, minor building alterations like cladding and carports) allowed under each.

How long will it take to get a complying development certificate?

A complying development certificate is meant to be provided very quickly and can usually be done in under three weeks. Remember that it is a fast-tracked process, so it is designed to be acquired quickly. Here is a brief overview of the process.


* Apply through the NSW Planning Portal.
* If the online process is not available, you will have to go through your local council or a private certifier
* Include the following in your online application:
-> Nominated certifier
-> Architectural plans
-> Certificate of title
-> Site plan
-> Building specifications
-> Survey plan
* Once the relevant information and your application is sent in, you will receive a confirmation email
* Your nominated certifier will conduct a pre-assessment review.
* Your certifier will accept or refuse your application for assessment (depending on if the information is accurate).
* Your application will be lodged after which you will receive a system-generated email indicating this change in status

Whether you’re designing, building or renovating your home, a building design company will be able to help you sort through all of the necessary documents needed to get your project started as soon as possible. The services of a building design company provide more than guidance on necessary documents, but they help you to design properties that carry a lot of value, both for lifestyle and future financial gain. If you’re in search of a residential design service company, then you’re in luck! Sydney is home to many companies that offer all three of the above services, giving you ample choice for a design that matters.