Do I need a DA?

Do I need a DA?

Not all development requires approval of a development application (DA). Whether you need to lodge a development application depends on the type of development you're proposing.

Exempt development

Many types of minor home renovations and small building projects such as the erection of a carport, balcony, deck, or garden shed don't need a planning or building approval. These types of projects are called exempt development. As long as the building project meets specific development standards and land requirements, no planning or building approval is needed.

Exempt development is very low impact development or minor renovation work which satisfies development standards identified in the State Policy for exempt and complying development. If your development meets the requirements, it will not require approval.

 

Use the checklist below to determine if your development is Exempt Development

Exempt Checklist - Farm Buildings other than Stock Holdings Yards, Grain Silos, and Grain Bunkers(PDF, 205KB)

 

Even if your project is exempt development, other approvals may be required.

To determine if your development is considered exempt, visit the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s website.

 

Related information

Complying development (fast track approval)

Other straightforward, low impact residential, commercial, and industrial developments that do require planning approval may qualify for a fast track approval process known as complying development. If the application meets specific standards and land requirements a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) can be obtained through your local Council or an accredited certifier without the need for a full development application.

Complying development is a combined planning and construction approval. Straightforward development that meets the specified development standards in the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development) 2008 are eligible for fast-track approval, without the need for a full development application.

 

Use the below checklists to find out if your development is Complying Development

CDC Checklist - R1 Residential - New Outbuildings Sheds, Garages, and Carports(PDF, 159KB)

CDC Checklist - R5 Large Lot Residential - New Outbuildings Sheds, Garages, Carports(PDF, 149KB)

CDC Checklist - RU5 Village - New Dwellings & Additions(PDF, 808KB)

CDC Checklist - RU5 Village New Outbuildings Sheds, Garages, & Carports(PDF, 162KB)

 

To determine if your project is considered complying development, visit the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s website.

If your project is considered complying, you'll need to apply on the NSW Planning Portal for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) from either Council or a private certifier. Other approvals may also be required.

Related information

  

If your project does not satisfy the specific development standards and land requirements, and cannot be considered as exempt or complying development, you will need to obtain development consent for your proposal. To obtain development consent, you will need to apply for a development application on the NSW Planning Portal. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has created a guide to the DA process for small housing development to help you prepare and lodge your DA.

If you think your development may be permitted without consent or you're unsure about the categories, we encourage you to contact us to discuss.

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