Complying Development Certificate

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval for certain developments that meet specific development standards through a fast-track assessment process.

CDCs are available for a range of development types including:

  • single and double-storey buildings
  • secondary dwellings
  • renovations to an existing house
  • swimming pools
  • retaining walls
  • fences
  • demolition of a structure/building
  • advertising signage
  • fit-out of commercial building

If your application does not satisfy all the requirements for approval as a CDC, you will need to either alter your proposal or submit a Development Application and Construction Certificate.

Council's accredited certification team can issue a Complying Development Certificate and provide expert advice throughout the process.

How to apply?

Step 1.Create an account

Create an account on the NSW Planning Portal. 

Step 2.Apply using the NSW Planning Portal

Go to the NSW Planning Portal and complete the online application for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Refer to the Quick Reference Guide for Submitting a Complying Development Application for assistance.

Step 3.Upload required documentation

Depending on the type of works or use, there will be certain documentation that you will be required to lodge with your application. Refer to the Checklist for information required.

The format, file size and documentation naming conventions used when uploading documents must meet Council's Digital Format Application Requirements.

Step 4.Lodged for review

Once the application is submitted through the Portal, an initial review will be carried out to check the information provided is sufficient for Council to accept. 

Where it is identified that further information is required before the application can be accepted, an officer will contact the applicant to request the further information or clarification. Once adequate information is provided, the application can be accepted.

Step 5.Application is sufficient and ready to be accepted

When the application has been reviewed and considered ready for lodgement, an invoice will be forwarded to the payee as nominated by the applicant for payment of the associated fees.

Assessment of your application will not commence until the fees have been received by Council.

Step 6.Assessment of the application

Once fees have been paid, the application will be registered. A site inspection will then be organised.

Officers will contact the applicant if further clarification is needed.

 

Application checklist

You must attach a copy of the following documents when submitting the application

  1.  Architectural plans
  2. Structural engineering plans
  3. Specifications
  4. Requirements as per any BASIX certificates issued
  5.  A copy of the Development Consent, and compliance with consent conditions.
  6. Home Owners Warranty Insurance (where applicable)
  7. Payment of Long Service Levy (where applicable)
  8. Scaled plan of the existing building/s (where applicable)
  9. Payment of any Developer Contributions levied on the DA (where applicable)
  10. Statement on the performance requirements (where applicable)
  11. Description of accredited building products or system (where applicable)

Your Construction Certificate should also address all relevant matters, up-front, in your Statement of Environmental Effects. This will help to avoid additional information requests, and will help to ensure an efficient and smooth process.

 

If you need assistance using the online service, please view the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s How To Guide. This external link will open in a new window or contact Service NSW on 1300 305 695 for additional support.