The term “CDC” is likely to come up if you’re considering building a new home, creating a granny flat, or renovating your home in New South Wales. So, what is a complying development certificate, and why do all the experts seem to be pushing it as opposed to the standard council process?
Simply put, a complying development certificate NSW approval is a quick track that allows you to avoid the tedious council Development Application (DA) process if your project adheres to a defined set of requirements. It streamlines the planning and construction approvals process into one document, resulting in less paperwork, fewer delays and a much quicker start to your build.
We’ll cover all the information you’re looking for in simple terms, how it works, who’s eligible to get a development certificate, and how AllCert Group can help you obtain your complying development certificate in Sydney without the hassle.
What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?
The complying development certificate (CDC) is a building approval type that is applied statewide in NSW for simple residential, commercial and industrial developments. Your plans are reviewed through a checklist of requirements, rather than a full council DA, and are considered against matters such as building height, setbacks, site coverage, floor area etc. If your project meets all the boxes, it’s approved.
By combining planning and construction requirements in one application, a CDC eliminates the need to wait for two approvals. It’s one of the top advantages for homeowners and builders around the state who have projects that meet the criteria.
The CDC may be provided by your local council or by an accredited private certifier (a certifying authority). The reason most people opt for a private certifier is because they tend to be more predictable, with a quicker outcome.
What is a Complying Development Certificate Sydney Application?
The application for a complying development certificate NSW is intended to be an easy and predictable process. It works as follows:
- Check your eligibility – Your certifier will compare your proposed project with the appropriate State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that outlines the development standards for your area.
- Organise your documents – These include site plans, architectural drawings, and in some cases a certificate of title and structural plans and other supporting documents.
- Make an application – Applications are made via the NSW Planning Portal and a certifier checks all the application against the Building Code of Australia.
- Answer any requests – If anything is missing or not clear, the certifier may send back a Request for Information before proceeding.
- Get your CDC – If all is well, your building compliance certificate Sydney or NSW application will be granted and you will be legally able to begin building.
- Construction inspections – Your certifier will conduct required inspections at certain points to ensure the construction is completed as per the plans.
- Occupational Certificate – After construction, a final certificate will be issued to verify that your building is ready to use or move into.
This path typically takes much less time than a regular DA. A CDC may be approved in as little as 10-20 business days, depending on the complexity of the project, compared to a typical development application, which takes about 70 days to be determined.
Complying Development Certificate vs Development Application
Many people are confused about the difference between a CDC and DA, so this is the easiest way to understand it:
- Development Application (DA): For more complicated or special projects. It goes through council assessment and may also have a public notification period, and can take a long time to be approved.
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): For projects that already comply with planning and building regulations. It does not go through the council assessment process and is instead dealt with by a certifier.
A complying development certificate NSW pathway will almost invariably be quicker and cheaper than a DA, if your project conforms with the criteria outlined in the relevant codes. However, those projects that are on a site within a heritage listed area, within a conservation area or have unusual site constraints are unlikely to qualify and may require a full DA.
What are the types of projects that are eligible for a CDC?
There are many kinds of projects in NSW that can apply to a complying development certificate, such as:
- New single and two-storey houses
- Renovations, alterations and additions to homes
- Secondary dwellings and granny flats
- The manor houses, town houses and duplexes
- Swimming pools, decks, and retaining walls
- Existing structures will be demolished.Existing buildings will be torn down.
- Commercial and industrial fit-outs and small developments.
- Lots and subdivisions that comply with minimum lot size requirements.
Each project is evaluated on the standard that is included in the relevant SEPP, so please always consult a certifier before assuming that your project will meet the standards.
💡 Did You Know?
But did you know that some simple home designs that comply with the NSW Housing Pattern Book can be issued in half the time of the CDC turnaround time? The speed is just one benefit of the complying development route for homeowners constructing a brand-new residence, however the procedure likewise helps to save thousands of dollars in professional charges and council assessment time.
Why Sydney and NSW for the CDC Pathway?
This fast-track CDC pathway is preferred by homeowners, builders and developers across NSW for a number of reasons:
- The speed: The approval process may take anywhere from 10-20 days, as opposed to months.
- Certainty: The evaluation is based on a set of measurable rules, so there’s significantly less subjectivity.
- Time and money savings: A long DA process can result in holding costs, consultant costs and project delays.
- One single approval: Planning and construction sign-off in one certificate, instead of having to go through two separate processes.
In most situations, no public notification: While there is no formal community consultation period for a CDC, it is best to inform neighbouring residents of work that is planned.
What is the duration of a Complying Development Certificate?
A complying development certificate is normally valid for five years from the date approved. This provides a good time frame to begin and finish construction without having to reapply; however, it is important to review the conditions in your certificate.
Final Thoughts
If the project plans are compliant, one of the quickest methods to achieve approval of a building project in NSW is to obtain a complying development certificate. Knowing how the CDC pathway works can save you valuable time, money and stress, whether you’re planning a new home, a granny flat, a pool or a commercial fit-out.
If you still think, “what is a complying development certificate and does my project qualify?”, the team at AllCert Group will be here to help you. We are NSW Fair Trading accredited certifiers from Sydney who undertake to review, approve and issue complying development certificates throughout Greater Sydney and NSW, from eligibility review to the end product — your Occupation Certificate!
Contact AllCert Group today to determine if your project is eligible for a speedy approval of a complying development certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is it possible to use a CDC on a heritage listed property?
In most cases no, as a full Development Application is typically necessary for properties and areas where there is a Heritage interest.
Q. Are there environmental factors that impact on CDC eligibility?
Yes. Bushfire prone, flood or environmentally sensitive land may have extra conditions or may not be eligible for a CDC.
Q. Who may be the applicant for a complying development certificate?
A CDC can be assessed and issued by your local council or an accredited private certifier registered by NSW Fair Trading.
Q. Does the Construction Certificate need to be issued after a CDC is issued?
No. A CDC combines planning and construction approval into a single certificate, so there’s no need for an additional Construction Certificate before you start building.