Apply for Complying Development Certificate

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval for certain developments that meet specific development standards. These applications are determined by Council or an accredited certifier 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.

Apply with Council

Step 1.Register

To apply for a Complying Development Certificate online, you must be registered with Council's Online Services. Registration can take up to one business day to process. If you are already registered and would like an update on your CDC please sign in.

Register now Sign in

Step 2.Gather your documents

The type of information that accompanies a Complying Development Certificate will vary depending on your proposal site. This may include:

  • Owners consent
  • A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
  • Site survey
  • Site analysis
  • A BASIX Certificate - a basix certificate is an energy efficiency report for a new home or alterations and additions greater than $50,000 that demonstrates its sustainability
  • Other plans such as landscape or drainage plans
  • Specific technical reports

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

A range of plans and documents, as outlined in Schedule 1 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, must be submitted with your application. The specific plans and documents required will vary depending on your development.

For advice on what to submit, contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 4921 0333, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, and ask to speak with a Duty Building Officer.

Step 3.Apply

Once you've registered and gathered your documents, you can apply online for a Complying Development Certificate.

Apply now

Step 4.Pay

Lodgement fees will be calculated by Council staff and provided to you in writing after we've received your application for a Complying Development Certificate.

Your Complying Development Certification will not be issued until all outstanding fees have been paid.

NSW Planning Portal

Step 1.Register

Registered users can apply for a Complying Development Certificate through the NSW Planning Portal.

Register now

Step 2.Gather your documents 

At a minimum, when applying for a Complying Development Certificate you'll need to submit:

  • a Certificate of Title
  • site plan
  • design plans
  • structural plans
  • building specifications

Step 3.Talk to us

Contact our Customer Service Centre on 4921 0333, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, to speak with a Duty Planner to find out what additional documentation you'll need to submit with your application.

Step 4.Apply

Once you've gathered your documents and registered as a user, you'll be able to apply for a Complying Development Certificate online via the NSW Planning Portal

Apply now

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