DA and CDC Approval Sydney NSW – giantA Pty Ltd

Understanding Development Applications and Complying Development

A Development Application (DA) is a formal request submitted to your local council for permission to carry out building development, renovations, or alterations. This process ensures your proposed works meet local and state building standards, comply with planning controls, and minimise environmental and neighbourhood impacts.

Not every project requires council DA approval. Certain minor works, such as pergolas, unroofed decks, fences, or refinishing a home’s exterior, may qualify as exempt development. However, these still need to meet prescribed DA requirements NSW relating to size, height, and location.

Other straightforward, low-impact projects may fall under Complying Development. These require a CDC building approval rather than a full DA. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) can be issued by a private certifier or the council, often within 10 days. Examples include swimming pools, granny flats, renovations, and home extensions. This streamlined process, known as CDC complying development, can save time and reduce approval costs, provided you meet the CDC requirements NSW under the State Environmental Planning Policy.

If your project does not qualify as exempt or complying development, you must submit a DA application. This applies to larger builds, significant alterations, or works impacting the property’s use or structure.

Preparing and Lodging Your DA Application

The DA approval process begins with careful preparation. Before lodging your application, it’s recommended you discuss your plans with neighbours to avoid objections during the public notification phase. This is especially relevant for projects in areas with strict planning controls, such as Parramatta Council DA requirements or DA approval Central Coast.

A complete DA submission will typically include:

• A correctly completed DA application form for your project category
• Owner’s consent from all registered property owners
• A detailed project description and DA approved plans
• Cost estimates (used to calculate fees such as the DA approval NSW cost)
• Scaled site plans and drawings showing location and design
• An environmental impact statement (if applicable)
• Payment of relevant fees as per your local council’s schedule

Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons for delays. More than one-third of DAs are returned for additional information, adding an average of 47 days to processing time. Engaging a qualified architect or planning consultant can improve your approval chances and reduce costly delays.

For projects under the CDC in construction category, you will follow a different process — applying directly for a CDC council approval or CDC building permit, which may have a shorter turnaround but still requires accurate documentation.

Costs, Timeframes, and Approval Outcomes

The time required for council building approval varies widely. A DA may take 30–100+ days to process, depending on the council and complexity of the development. For example, a Parramatta Council DA application can take several months, while a CDC approval NSW may be finalised in as little as 10 days.

Fees also differ according to the estimated cost of works. These may include the DA lodgement fee, Construction Certificate fee, and Compliance Certificate fee. Smaller projects naturally incur lower charges, while major developments attract higher fees. If you require a precise CDC approval cost or cost of CDC certificate, consult your council’s published fee schedule.

The likelihood of success depends on compliance with planning controls and documentation quality. Councils will assess whether the proposal aligns with strategic land use plans and meets local building controls. If your application is refused, you may request a review or appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court. Statistics indicate that 47% of such appeals succeed, but many approvals are only granted after addressing the council’s concerns through an amended application.

Navigating Local Council Requirements in Sydney

Each Sydney council — from Blacktown City Council to Randwick City Council — has its own specific processes, forms, and timelines for council DA applications and development approval NSW. Contact your local council or Neighbourhood Service Centre for tailored guidance on DA plans for council and local compliance requirements.

At giantA Pty Ltd, we specialise in guiding clients through both DA and CDC pathways, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and maximising approval success. Whether you need assistance with building development designs, complying development certificates, or managing a Parramatta DA submission, our team provides end-to-end support — from initial consultation through to final approval.