What is the Difference Between CDC Drawings and DA Drawings?

If you're planning to renovate or build in NSW, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go through a DA or CDC process.

Each pathway has different requirements, including what your architectural drawings must show.

At Town Planning Sydney, we prepare both DA and CDC drawings in-house, with expert planning advice tailored to your site and council.

Here’s how these two drawing types differ and why it matters.

1. DA drawings respond to council controls

DA drawings are used in a development application lodged with your local council. These plans must respond to your site’s zoning, overlays, the Local Environmental Plan and the Development Control Plan.

That means setbacks, floor space ratio, height and landscaping must all be shown and justified. Our planning consultants ensure your DA plans address every relevant rule before they are submitted.

In Strathfield, we adjusted a rear extension after identifying that the setback conflicted with council’s minimum requirement.

2. CDC drawings must meet state-based codes

CDC drawings are used when applying through a private certifier under the NSW Housing Code.

Unlike DAs, these drawings don’t go through council, but they must strictly comply with a prescribed checklist. If a plan doesn’t meet every requirement, the certifier must reject it.

We prepare precise CDC drawings that meet numerical rules for height, setbacks, site coverage and private open space.

For a duplex in Campbelltown, we aligned the design with the exact provisions of the Code, avoiding the longer DA process.

3. DA drawings are more flexible but take longer

With a DA, councils may allow variations where a strong justification is provided. This gives you design flexibility, especially on difficult blocks.

Our planning advice often helps secure approval for minor breaches in setbacks or height.

In Randwick, we obtained DA approval for a two-storey dwelling that slightly exceeded FSR by explaining how it aligned with surrounding context.

4. CDC drawings must follow a strict template

CDC plans must be complete, accurate and fully compliant with state codes. There is no room for variation or negotiation.

Our team knows which details must be shown and labelled to pass CDC checks. In Blacktown, we prepared compliant shadow diagrams, drainage plans and fencing details for a CDC on a narrow site.

5. DA drawings usually require more supporting reports

Because DA drawings are reviewed by council planners, they often need to be supported by heritage reports, flood assessments or traffic studies.

Our town planning team manages these supporting documents and coordinates responses to any council feedback.

We helped a client in Hornsby revise drainage plans after council requested additional details. The DA was approved within the standard assessment period.

6. CDC can be faster, but not always possible

If your site has bushfire risk, flooding, or doesn’t meet Code standards, CDC may not be allowed.

We assess whether DA approval or CDC is the better route based on zoning, overlays and site constraints. Our experience across NSW planning makes this process clear and efficient.

Whether you're building a new home, adding a granny flat or planning a second storey, knowing the difference between CDC and DA drawings is critical.

Town Planning Sydney provides integrated drafting and planning consultant services to ensure your application is complete, compliant and ready for approval.