Complying development certificates
CDCs for planning and building approval
Complying Development is a form of planning and building approval that can be issued by an Registered certifier or Council in the form of a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). This certificate combines approval for use of the land and the building construction works.
Prior to submission of a CDC application, an applicant must establish that the proposal will comply with the planning controls and development standards which apply to the land and to the specific development type. A Section 10.7 Certificate application (previously known as Section 149 application) can be obtained from Council to establish what planning controls apply to the land.
The following information may be required to be uploaded to the planning portal as applicable to the proposed development:
Types of complying development
The State Environmental Planning Policy (the "Codes SEPP") identifies the majority of development types that can be carried out as complying development in NSW.
The Codes SEPP comprises a number of separate codes for specific types of development:
- General Housing Code
- Rural Housing Code
- Housing Alterations Code
- General Development Code
- Commercial and industrial Alterations Code
- Commercial and Industrial (New Buildings and Additions) Code
- Subdivision Code
- Demolition Code
- Fire Safety Code
Each code applies to particular types of complying development and identifies the relevant development standards. These standards must be met for a proposal to be approved as a CDC.
Relevant development provisions
Various State Environmental Planning Polices (SEPP’s) and Local Environmental Plans (LEP’s) contain provisions relating to exempt development and/or complying development, including:
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt & Complying Development Codes) 2008 [known as the ‘Codes SEPP’]
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 [Affordable Rental Housing SEPP]
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Three Ports) 2013
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Educational Establishments and Child Care Facilities) 2017
- Randwick City Council Local Environmental Plan 2012
Compliance criteria
A complying development certificate can only be issued if:
- the proposed development fully complies with the specific requirements and criteria for complying development in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Regulations and the relevant planning instrument (SEPP or LEP)
- the proposal complies with the National Construction Code - Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards
Randwick City Council has developed a Guide to Exempt Development & Complying Development which contains a summary of the key provisions and requirements for a number of common types of exempt development and complying development.
If the proposed work does not satisfy all of the criteria specified, a Development Application must be submitted to and approved by Council and a Construction Certificate (CC) must also be obtained for any building works.
How to apply for a Complying Development Certificate
Complying Development Certificates must be applied for online via the NSW Government Planning Portal
How to apply online
- Register for a NSW Planning Portal account to start your application.
- Log in to complete the online application form.
You have the choice as to whom issues your Complying Development Certificate – the certifying authority can either be your council or a registered certifier. Fair Trading NSW accredits all certifiers that are not employed by your council, and provides the information you need on their Fair Trading NSW.
An applicant may apply to private sector Registered Certifier who has the appropriate level of accreditation from Fair Trading NSW or the Council for a CDC. The CDC must be obtained before any building work or change of building-use encompassed in the CDC commences.
What to include in your application
If you are lodging your application for a CDC with a private sector Registered Certifier, please liaise directly with the Registered Certifier to ascertain their submission requirements and Fees.
Don't start work without a CDC
You need to get a CDC (or DA and CC) before carrying out any building work or changing the use of a premises, unless the work or use is specifically permitted to be carried out as Exempt Development.
After obtaining a CDC (or DA and CC), the owner, or other person responsible for the development, must appoint either the Registered Building Certifier or the Council as a Principal Certifier, to carry out the relevant inspections of the works and to issue the required Occupation Certificate.
In most cases, an applicant appoints the same Registered Certifier (or Council) that issued the CDC or CC to be the Principal Certifier for the development.
More information
For further information about complying development certificates, contact a qualified Architect, Registered Building Certifier or Planning or Building Consultant or contact Council on 1300 722 542.