Fast-tracked approval for eligible developments - skip the council DA process and get started sooner.
Complying Development Certificate NSW
Fast-Track Your Build Approval in Sydney
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is the quickest and least expensive building approval route to homeowners, developers and builders in New South Wales. With no council development application (DA) process whatsoever, a complying development certificate NSW can open your project within 10-20 business days provided your development complies with the already established standards in accordance with the applicable State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
At AllCert Group, NSW Fair Trading Accredited private certifiers based in Eastwood, Sydney. We specialize in CDC assessment and issuance across Greater Sydney and all of NSW. From granny flats and duplexes to new homes and commercial fit-outs, our experienced team navigates every step of the complying development certificate Sydney process with precision, transparency and speed.
What Is a Complying Development Certificate in NSW?
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a building approval that is issued as a statutory building approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). A CDC may be issued by an accredited CDC private certifier, such as AllCert Group, or, in certain instances, by your local council without a formal council determination process like a development application.
The CDC pathway was created to streamline building approvals for low-risk, clearly defined residential and commercial developments that satisfy pre-set planning and building standards. Rather than subjecting straightforward projects to the full DA process, the NSW government identified specific categories of development that—provided they meet objective, numerical standards— It can be approved with speed and certainty.
A complying certificate in NSW simultaneously acts as both a planning approval and a construction approval. This means that once your CDC is issued, you do not need a separate Construction Certificate to commence works—the CDC itself provides the legal authority to build, subject to the conditions listed in the certificate and the accompanying Construction Certificate Schedule.
The Governing Planning Policies
The standards of eligibility and development to meet complying development in NSW are established in a series of State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs). The most general SEPPs to be used in residential development in Sydney and throughout NSW are:
| SEPP / Code | Development Types Covered | Key Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Housing SEPP 2021 — Low Rise Housing Diversity Code | Dual occupancy (duplex), manor houses, terraces, townhouses on eligible lots | 20 business days |
| Housing SEPP 2021 — Housing Code | New dwelling houses (1 & 2 storey), alterations & additions to houses, secondary dwellings (granny flats) | 10 business days |
| Infrastructure SEPP — Demolition | Demolition of existing structures | 10 business days |
| Transport and Infrastructure SEPP — Rural Housing | New homes and outbuildings on rural-zoned land | 20 business days |
| Commercial & Industrial SEPP | Certain commercial fit-outs, changes of use, ancillary structures | 20 business days |
The certifiers of AllCert Group are well informed of all the relevant SEPPs and are well informed of any changes in legislation. We determine the right route and the relevant code to be used in your particular project even before an application is filed.
CDC vs DA in NSW — Understanding the Key Differences
One of the most common questions we receive at AllCert Group is: “Should my project go through a CDC or a DA?” The answer depends on the specific characteristics of your site and your proposed development. Here is a clear, practical comparison:
| Factor | Development Application (DA) | Complying Development Certificate (CDC) |
|---|---|---|
| Who determines it? | Local council (or Sydney Planning Panels for large projects) | Private certifier (AllCert Group) or council |
| Timeframe | 40–300+ days (council average) | 10–20 business days (statutory) |
| Community notification? | Yes — neighbours can object | No — no notification required |
| Planning flexibility? | High — can propose merit-based solutions | Low — must meet pre-set standards precisely |
| Construction Certificate needed after? | Yes — separate CC required before building | No — CDC includes construction approval |
| Cost | Higher (council fees + longer process) | Generally lower (faster + private certifier) |
| Heritage constraints | Can be assessed on merit | Heritage items/areas typically excluded |
| Certainty of outcome | Uncertain — council may impose conditions or refuse | High — if standards are met, certificate must be issued |
What Development Can Be Approved Under a Complying Development Certificate?
The complying development certificate CDC pathway covers a wide range of residential and commercial development types across Sydney and NSW. Below are the most common project types that AllCert Group regularly approves through the CDC pathway:
Residential CDC — New Homes & Major Structures
- New single-storey dwelling houses
- New two-storey dwelling houses
- Dual occupancy (side-by-side duplex)
- Attached dual occupancy
- Secondary dwellings (granny flats)
- Manor houses (max. 4 dwellings)
- Multi-dwelling housing (terraces/townhouses)
- Rural homes and outbuildings
Residential CDC — Alterations, Extensions & Ancillary Structures
- Single and double-storey home additions
- Garage and carport construction
- Swimming pools and spas
- Decks, pergolas and verandahs
- Sheds and outbuildings
- Retaining walls
- Fences and boundary structures
- Demolition of existing buildings
Commercial CDC
- Internal fit-outs and alterations to commercial and retail premises that meet applicable SEPP standards
- Change of use of premises between compatible commercial uses
- Signage and ancillary commercial structures in certain zones
- Industrial buildings and warehouses of specified types and sizes
Not sure if your specific project is eligible for a complying development certificate Sydney approval? Then you just have to contact us for a no-obligation eligibility check. We review your site constraints, current zoning and proposed works against all applicable SEPPs and provide a clear, written recommendation within 24 hours
The AllCert Group CDC Process — Step by Step
We follow the same disciplined, transparent process for every complying development certificate. Sydney application:
1. Free Eligibility Assessment
We review your site address, Section 10.7, zoning, constraints and proposed development type. We confirm CDC eligibility in writing and identify the applicable SEPP and code at no charge.
2. Tailored Documents Checklist
We provide a project-specific documentation checklist. We liaise directly with your architect, designer and engineers to ensure all documents are prepared to the correct standard before lodgement.
3. Formal Application & Assessment
We register and assess the full application against all applicable SEPP development standards and BCA / NCC 2022 Amendment 2 requirements. The statutory assessment clock starts upon receipt of a complete application.
4. Authority Referrals (Where Required)
Where required, we refer to the NSW Rural Fire Service, Sydney Water, Heritage NSW, or other relevant authorities and coordinate timely responses to keep the assessment on track.
5. CDC Issued & Planning Portal Registered
Once the development is confirmed as complying, we issue your Complying Development Certificate and Construction Certificate Schedule, and lodge on the NSW Planning Portal CDC system to ensure proper registration and compliance. You are ready to build.
6. Principal Certifier & Inspections
AllCert Group can remain as your Principal Certifier through construction — carrying out mandatory critical stage inspections and ultimately issuing your Occupation Certificate at project completion.
Fast-tracked approval for eligible developments
For straightforward building projects, a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) offers a faster, more efficient alternative to the traditional development application (DA) process. If your project meets the set criteria, a CDC allows you to skip council approval and get started sooner. At AllCert, we assess whether your project qualifies for complying development and provide the certification you need to move forward quickly and legally.
Speed without shortcuts
A CDC combines both planning and construction approval in one streamlined process. However, the criteria are strict – your proposal must fully comply with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA). We conduct thorough assessments to determine if your project meets all the relevant standards. If it does, we’ll issue your CDC promptly. If not, we’ll explain why and offer advice on your next steps. We work closely with clients, designers and builders to ensure documentation is complete and accurate, avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections.
Projects that can qualify for a CDC
New single or two storey houses. Home extensions, alterations and renovations. Granny flats and secondary dwellings. Small-scale commercial or industrial buildings. Interior fit-outs and minor modifications. Carports, garages and swimming pools.
Case Studies
Residential Extension: A Sydney homeowner added a second storey. Construction started within weeks after obtaining a CDC and thousands in council fees were saved. Granny Flat Development: A family added an additional dwelling. Our guidance led to quick CDC approval bringing legal certainty and increased property value. Commercial Fit-Out: A small company made internal changes to satisfy safety requirements. The CDC process enabled renovations without lengthy council involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CDC combines planning and construction approval in a single process. Eligible projects can be approved within weeks rather than months.
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