Exempt, CDC or DA: NSW building approval pathways explained

Every NSW building project follows one of three approval pathways. Knowing which saves time and money.

Exempt development

Exempt development is minor, low-impact work that needs no planning or building approval, provided it meets every standard in the Codes SEPP or the council's local environmental plan (LEP). NSW Planning gives examples such as decks, carports, fences and demolition. A project must comply fully with the relevant standards to qualify.

Complying development

A complying development certificate (CDC) is a combined development approval and construction certificate. It is issued by a council or an accredited certifier, and it is a fast-track route for larger, straightforward work. NSW Planning says an approval can be issued within 20 days if the proposal complies with all the relevant requirements in the Codes SEPP.

Development application

A development application (DA) is for work that needs development consent under an LEP or a state environmental planning policy. The council assesses it on its merits, which makes it the slowest and most involved pathway. If a proposal does not meet the complying standards, NSW Planning says the whole development must go through the DA process, however minor the departure.

Proposed change

The NSW Government has described a proposed variation pathway that would let minor departures from complying standards be assessed by council, instead of a full DA. This was a proposal when this page was written, so check the NSW Planning Portal to see whether it has started.

Which one do you need?

• Small works that meet every standard: possibly exempt.
• A straightforward new home or alteration that meets the standards: possibly a CDC.
• Anything else: a DA.

Builders and designers confirm the pathway early. See knockdown rebuild approvals in Wollongong, what drawings DA and CDC need, and building approvals handled by Wollongong home builders.

Common questions