What Is Complying Development?

Complying Development is a fast-track approval pathway in NSW that allows certain building works to be assessed and approved by an accredited certifier — bypassing the traditional Development Application (DA) process through local council. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is the approval document you receive.

CDCs are governed by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, commonly known as the Codes SEPP or Housing SEPP. They set out specific standards that a build must meet — setbacks, height, floor-space ratio, landscaping, BASIX requirements — and if your project meets every standard, approval is issued within 10–20 business days.

This is dramatically faster than a DA, which can take 40–90 days through council and involves subjective assessment, neighbour notification, and potential conditions or refusal.

CDC vs DA: Key Differences

Here's how CDC and DA compare for residential builds in Western Sydney:

**Complying Development Certificate (CDC):** • Assessed by: Private accredited certifier • Timeframe: 10–20 business days • Cost: $3,000 – $6,000 • Neighbour notification: Not required • Subjective assessment: No — pass/fail against standards • Appeal: Not applicable (either complies or doesn't)

**Development Application (DA):** • Assessed by: Local council planning department • Timeframe: 40–90+ days • Cost: $5,000 – $15,000+ (plus council contributions) • Neighbour notification: Yes — 14–28 days • Subjective assessment: Yes — merit-based assessment • Appeal: Can appeal refusal to Land & Environment Court

For straightforward projects that meet all CDC standards, the CDC pathway saves 1–3 months and significant costs. Buildana assesses CDC eligibility for every project and recommends the fastest approval pathway.

What Builds Qualify for CDC in NSW?

The following residential projects may qualify for CDC in NSW (subject to meeting all standards):

• New single and double-storey dwellings • Knock-down rebuilds • Granny flats (secondary dwellings up to 60sqm) • Home extensions and additions • Swimming pools • Carports and garages • Internal alterations • Decks and pergolas • Demolition

**Projects that generally require DA (not eligible for CDC):** • Duplexes and dual occupancies (most councils) • Multi-dwelling developments (3+ units) • Heritage-listed properties or heritage conservation areas • Flood-prone land (Flood Planning Level or higher) • Bushfire-prone land (BAL-40 or above) • Properties with significant trees (some councils) • Sites not meeting minimum setback or height standards • Properties in R2 zones with restrictive covenants

Eligibility depends on your specific property, zoning, and the proposed build. Buildana provides a free CDC eligibility assessment as part of every consultation.

CDC Standards You Must Meet

To qualify for CDC, your project must comply with all applicable standards, including:

**Setbacks:** • Front: As existing or minimum per zone • Side: 900mm minimum (single storey), 1.5m (two storey upper-level walls with windows) • Rear: 3m minimum (single storey), 6m (two storey)

**Height:** • Maximum 8.5m to ridgeline (most residential zones) • Maximum 2 storeys • Must not exceed Codes SEPP height plane from boundaries

**Floor Space Ratio (FSR):** • As specified by your LEP zone (varies by council)

**Landscaping:** • Minimum permeable area as specified in LEP/DCP

**BASIX:** • Must meet energy, water, and thermal performance targets

**Other:** • No overshadowing of principal private open space of adjoining properties beyond specified limits • Privacy screening on upper-level windows within 9m of adjoining living areas • Stormwater management to pre-development levels

These standards are objective — your project either meets them or it doesn't. There is no discretionary assessment, which is what makes CDC faster and more predictable than DA.

How to Apply for CDC in Western Sydney

The CDC application process with Buildana:

**Step 1: Free feasibility check** We assess your property's CDC eligibility — zoning, setbacks, height planes, flood mapping, heritage, and any site-specific constraints.

**Step 2: Design to CDC standards** Our architects design your build to comply with every CDC standard, including BASIX energy and water targets.

**Step 3: Documentation preparation** We prepare all required documents: • Architectural plans (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections) • BASIX certificate • Structural engineering certification • Soil and geotechnical report • Stormwater management plan • Statement of compliance against CDC standards

**Step 4: Lodge with accredited certifier** We lodge the CDC application with an accredited certifier (not council). The certifier reviews against all standards.

**Step 5: Approval (10–20 business days)** If compliant, the CDC is issued. Construction can commence after the 2-day notification period.

Buildana manages the entire CDC process for clients across all five Western Sydney councils — Fairfield, Liverpool, Cumberland, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Blacktown. Call 0476 300 300 to check if your project qualifies for CDC.

Buildana builds across Sydney. Visit /approvals/cdc to learn more or /approvals/da to discuss your project.