Complying development · NSW
Complying Development. Check the detail first.
Site-specific CDC eligibility and design compliance advice for NSW projects, helping determine whether the proposal can meet the relevant complying development requirements.
The approach
Is your project suitable for complying development?
Complying development is a streamlined NSW approval pathway for proposals that satisfy applicable development standards and land-based eligibility requirements. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) may be issued by a Council or registered certifier where the requirements are met.
Planning Approvals assesses planning controls and design compliance. We are not the certifier issuing a CDC. Our work helps owners and design teams identify the planning issues that need to be addressed before certification.
Our services
What a CDC planning assessment can cover
Land eligibility and exclusions
Consider whether the site appears eligible for the relevant complying development pathway and identify constraints that may affect its availability.
Applicable Codes SEPP provisions
Assess the proposal against relevant provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 and other requirements as applicable.
Built-form and site standards
Review the relevant dimensional and design requirements, such as building height, setbacks and landscaped area, depending on the Code.
Design guidance and next steps
Identify compliance issues and potential design changes, or recommend investigating a DA pathway where complying development is unsuitable.
Project outcomes
Planning advice before certification
Depending on the agreed scope, the outcome may be a planning compliance review, a detailed CDC planning assessment or advice to the designer about matters to correct. A certifier will need to independently verify all relevant statutory and certification requirements before issuing a certificate.
A proposal should not be assumed eligible merely because similar works on another site used the CDC pathway. Requirements can change and must be checked against the specific land and design.
How it works
From enquiry to clear advice.
A practical process suited to the stage and complexity of your project.
Screen site eligibility
Check land-based constraints and identify the relevant complying development pathway.
Assess the proposed design
Review applicable planning standards and prepare a compliance assessment or comments.
Clarify the certification route
Advise on identified issues before the project proceeds to the appointed certifier.
Common questions
Good questions to ask early.
Is a CDC the same as a Development Application?
No. A DA involves a merits-based assessment by the consent authority. The complying development pathway generally requires the proposal to satisfy prescribed eligibility criteria and standards.
Can Planning Approvals issue my CDC?
No. We provide planning advice and assessments. The certificate itself must be issued by a Council or registered certifier.
What if the design does not comply with a CDC standard?
The applicable provisions must be checked carefully. Where the complying pathway is unavailable, design changes or a different approval pathway, potentially a DA, may be necessary.
Further information from official NSW Government sources:
Start here
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