Should I submit a Development Application or go with a Complying Development Certificate?

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A question that our clients love to ask is which road they should take for building approval, Council Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC)? It is after all, an important query, as it could mean a longer plan and approval time, or even define certain aspects of your home design. In the following article we delve into these types of approval and give you the rundown on which suits your project the best.

What is a Development Application?

A Development Application is a formal request, given to your local council to attain permission to carry out a development. These applications specify what is being carried out in the project. The submission includes specific details of the design, such as its location on the site, the environmental impact of the dwelling, and other important aspects to consider. The approval process usually takes approximately 2 – 6 months if the home is fully compliant. Once approved, all that’s left to do is to appoint a Private Certifier, who can have your Construction Certificate (CC Plans) approved with ease.

What is a Complying Development Certificate?

A Complying Development Certificate combines the planning aspects of a Development Application with the Construction Plan approval. A Complying Development Certificate is attained through a Private Certifying Authority (PCA), who can approve the design for construction and communicate the development to council, with a turnaround of about 3 weeks. These certifiers work off the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), specifically the General Housing Code, meaning there are specific standards that must be followed to have a project approved through this method. For example, should you wish to include 3 storeys in your project or are working on a heritage listed home, it will have to be approved through a Development Application as the General Housing Code does not allow for these types of developments.

Which one should I use for my project? 

At Atria Designs, we usually recommend your development is approved through Complying Development Certificate, if possible. This is because Private Certifiers usually have a faster approval process. However, if CDC isn’t an option for your desired dwelling, we can make your experience lodging a Development Application a breeze.

Unsure about which route to take? Feel free to get in contact with us for some advice and assistance with submissions.

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