Do I need a development application?
Yes, if your proposed building works do not meet the criteria for exempt development or complying development.
Exempt Development has minimal environmental impact and subject to satisfying pre-specified standards, there is no need for planning or construction approval to be obtained. Visit NSW Government’s Planning and Environment to see if your building works meet the criteria for exempt development.
Complying Development is considered to have a minor environmental impact on neighbourhood amenity which can be addressed by predetermined development standards. Types of complying development include internal alterations to a house, a new single dwelling and a below ground swimming pool. Visit NSW Government’s Planning and Environment to see if your building works comply with development requirements. Before commencing any building works you will need to apply to council for a complying development certificate - see related "Forms" and "Fees and charges" below.
If your building works do not meet the criteria for Exempt or Complying Development, you will need to lodge a Development Application (DA). Before lodging a DA we encourage you to attend a pre-lodgement meeting.
The purpose of the pre-lodgement meeting is to discuss your proposal prior to lodging your DA. This enables us to provide early comments on the information you provide.
The scale and complexity of your development will determine who will attend this meeting from Council. For large scale, complex projects you will meet with a panel of representatives from our Development Services and Engineering Services teams. During the meeting we will provide feedback on any statutory requirements to be addressed, direction for progression of the DA and highlight any potential issues that may arise during the assessment process.
To book your meeting please contact us to speak with our Development Services team. Prior to your meeting:
- conduct a property search on the NSW Planning Portal to determine preliminary application requirements and planning controls for your proposal
- email us - attention Development Services your information, supporting documents and special reports
We will review the information, supporting documents and special reports provided before the meeting to enable feedback to be provided.
The key benefit of attending this meeting is to progress your application in the fastest possible time and with the least frustration.
