RemodoDo you need council approval? Exempt, complying (CDC) and DA in NSW
Not every project needs a full development application. NSW planning law creates three pathways, and knowing which one your project fits can save weeks. Here's the difference.
Exempt development — no approval needed
Exempt development covers minor, low-impact works — think small garden sheds, some decks, and many internal renovations. If your project meets 100% of the standards in the Codes SEPP, it needs no development consent and no formal assessment.
Miss a single standard and it's no longer exempt, so the details matter.
Complying development — fast-track CDC
Complying development is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward projects assessed purely against coded standards. The approval — a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) — can be issued by a private certifier or council, with no neighbour-objection period and can be as quick as ~20 days.
It only works if your proposal meets every applicable standard; there's no discretion to bend the rules.
Development application (DA) — council assessment
If your project isn't exempt or complying, you lodge a DA with your council. A planning officer weighs competing considerations and can exercise judgment, and the process may include neighbour notification or public exhibition. It's more flexible but slower.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between a CDC and a DA?＋
A CDC is a fast-track approval checked only against fixed coded standards (no council discretion). A DA is assessed by council with judgment and may involve neighbour notification.
What can I build without any approval?＋
Minor, low-impact 'exempt development' — like small sheds or many internal renovations — provided it meets every standard in the Codes SEPP.
How fast is complying development?＋
A CDC can be issued in as little as around 20 days when the proposal meets all the coded standards.
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This content is general information only and is not planning, legal or professional advice. While we aim to keep these guides accurate and current, planning laws change frequently and vary by state, council/LGA, zone and site-specific controls (flooding, bushfire, heritage, easements and more). Figures quoted are indicative and may be out of date.
Remodo makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of this information and accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on it. Always confirm the requirements for your specific property with your local council or the relevant state planning portal, and seek advice from a qualified planner, certifier or lawyer before making decisions or starting work.