How Do I Know if I Need a DA or CDC?

In NSW, most residential and commercial developments require either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Choosing the right pathway affects how long approval will take, what documents are needed, and how much flexibility you have.

A town planner NSW based can help you understand what option suits your site and plans best.

A CDC is a faster approval process issued by a private certifier. It only applies if your development meets all requirements under the NSW planning system, such as those set out in the Housing SEPP or the Exempt and Complying Development SEPP.

These include specific controls on boundary setbacks, building height, open space and lot size. If your project meets every standard, you can avoid going through council.

We regularly help clients secure CDCs for secondary dwellings, home extensions and internal commercial fit-outs.

If your development cannot meet all those standards, or if your site has added complexity like a heritage overlay, bushfire risk or irregular lot shape, you will need to lodge a full development application.

This includes plans, supporting reports and a statement of environmental effects for NSW DA. Approval typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks depending on the council and the completeness of your submission.

In one recent case, we helped a client in Newcastle convert an outbuilding into a granny flat. It didn’t qualify for CDC due to a minor encroachment on the rear setback.

We lodged a DA with a Clause 4.6 variation request NSW and achieved approval with minimal conditions.

Zoning also plays a key role. Certain projects, such as a commercial change of use, may be permitted in some zones under CDC but restricted in others.

For example, a retail to café conversion may qualify for a CDC in a business zone but require a DA in a mixed-use area. A town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP can assess your site and advise which rules apply.

We also prepare heritage impact statement NSW town planning documents where applicable.

Our town planning services for residential development NSW and commercial projects often begin with this type of eligibility check.

Whether you are preparing a council submission for secondary dwelling NSW, seeking a planning permit NSW or asking how to get a DA approved in NSW, the right planning consultant will help you choose the correct path from the start.