Complying Development Certificate (CDC) Sydney — Fast-Track Approval
Fast-track CDC approval for compliant residential projects across Sydney. Documentation, BASIX/NatHERS and certifier coordination under one roof.
Contact UsCDC vs DA — which pathway is right for you?
If your design fully complies with the Housing Code or Low Rise Housing Diversity Code standards — height, setbacks, site coverage, landscaping — a CDC saves you months. If it breaches any standard, you need a DA. We check your controls before you spend a dollar on documentation.
| CDC | DA | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Private certifier / council | Council planners |
| Timeline | 2–4 weeks | 6–16 weeks |
| Discretion | None — must fully comply | Merit-based, negotiable |
| Neighbour notification | Notified before & after | Public exhibition |
Typical CDC costs and timeline in NSW
| Item | Typical NSW range |
|---|---|
| CDC architectural documentation | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Private certifier fees | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Approval timeline | 2 – 4 weeks |
What projects qualify for CDC?
- New single dwellings and alterations meeting the Housing Code
- Secondary dwellings (granny flats) on qualifying lots
- Duplexes on qualifying lots under the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code
- Some industrial/commercial works under the relevant SEPP
Our CDC process
- Eligibility check: we verify every code standard against your site before quoting
- Design & documentation: code-compliant plans, BASIX certificate, NatHERS assessment
- Certifier coordination: we package everything your certifier needs — no gaps
- Approval: certificate issued, construction can start
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?
A CDC is a fast-track approval combining planning and construction approval in one certificate, issued by a council or private certifier. It's available when your proposal fully complies with all standards in the relevant SEPP code — no discretionary assessment, usually 2–4 weeks.
How long does CDC approval take in NSW?
Typically 2–4 weeks from complete documentation to certificate. The key requirement is a fully compliant, complete documentation package — missing BASIX or fire-safety details are the most common cause of delays.
What's the difference between CDC and Construction Certificate?
A CDC approves both planning and construction in one step. A Construction Certificate (CC) only covers construction compliance and follows a DA. If your project qualifies for CDC, you skip the DA + CC two-step entirely.
Can my project get CDC if it fails one standard?
No — CDC is all-or-nothing. If your proposal breaches even one development standard (height, setback, site coverage), you must lodge a DA with council instead. A quick feasibility check before documentation starts avoids wasted cost.
How much does CDC documentation cost in Sydney?
NSW market range: $2,500–$6,000 for CDC architectural documentation for a single dwelling or secondary dwelling, plus certifier fees of roughly $1,500–$3,000. Duplex and multi-unit CDCs sit higher. Fixed quotes depend on site and design complexity.
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