Complying Development Certificates

Complying development is development that meets specific standards in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 .

Applications can be determined by a council or private certifier without the need for a full development application.

Complying development is a faster approval process, while ensuring stringent planning and environmental requirements are met through a set of prescribed approval conditions.

Some categories of work that are complying development:

  • construction of a new dwelling
  • construction of a dual occupancy 
  • alterations and additions to an existing dwelling
  • construction of a secondary dwelling
  • demolition of a building
  • small retail and commercial development
  • internal alterations (fit-outs) of commercial buildings
  • fit-out of a food shop
  • street awnings and business signs.

Complying Development Vs Development Application

The main difference between the two types of application is who the assessment of the application is done through. With a CDC you have the option of going through a private certifier or Council whereas with a development application you are only restricted to Council determining the application.

The other main difference is the approval timeframe.

A CDC takes between 10 and 20 days compared against the time taken for the development application which can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 months.

 A CDC takes a fraction of the time to gain approval but due to the legislation it can be difficult to determine by private certifiers.

 

Complying Development 

We assist our clients by providing a detailed and thorough complying development planning audit for any potential complying development certificate. 

 

Let’s work together on your CDC

Have a chat with one of our planners today!