Will I need a DA or can I do a CDC?

One of the most common questions we receive from clients on Sydney's Lower North Shore is whether their project requires a Development Application (DA) or if they can proceed with a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Understanding the difference between these two approval pathways can save you time, money, and potential frustration during your building project.

What is a Development Application (DA)?

A Development Application is the traditional approval pathway for most building projects in NSW. When you lodge a DA with your local council, your proposal is assessed against various planning controls, including:

• Local Environmental Plans (LEP)
• Development Control Plans (DCP)
• State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP)
• Any applicable heritage or environmental considerations

The DA process typically takes 8-12 weeks (or longer for complex projects) and may involve public notification where neighbors can submit submissions. Council officers assess the application and make a determination, which can include approval, approval with conditions, or refusal.

What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?

A Complying Development Certificate is a streamlined approval pathway for projects that meet specific, pre-determined standards. CDCs can be issued by either council or a private certifier and combine both planning approval and construction approval in one certificate.

The key advantages of the CDC pathway include:

• Faster approval: Typically 20 business days for straightforward projects
• No public notification: Neighbors are not formally notified
• Certainty: If your project meets the standards, it must be approved
• Cost effective: Generally lower fees than DA pathway

Common Projects Suitable for CDC

Many common residential projects can proceed via CDC if they meet the relevant standards:

• Granny Flats: Secondary dwellings up to 60m² (with specific requirements)
• Single Storey Extensions: Within prescribed setbacks and height limits
• Alterations and Additions: That don't exceed certain thresholds
• Carports and Garages: Meeting specific size and location criteria
• Swimming Pools: That comply with standard requirements
• Decks and Pergolas: Within acceptable parameters

When Must You Use the DA Pathway?

You'll need to lodge a DA if your project:

• Doesn't meet all CDC requirements and standards
• Involves heritage items or conservation areas
• Is located in an environmentally sensitive area
• Requires variations to planning controls
• Involves demolition of certain structures
• Creates a new dwelling (excluding granny flats)
• Significantly impacts the streetscape or neighborhood character

Lower North Shore Considerations

In areas like Mosman, Neutral Bay, Willoughby, and surrounding suburbs, there are additional considerations:

• Heritage: Many properties are in heritage conservation areas, requiring DA
• Steep Sites: Challenging topography may limit CDC eligibility
• Character Areas: Special character zones often require DA assessment
• Tree Preservation: Significant trees can affect approval pathways

How We Can Help

As experienced building designers, we can quickly assess whether your project is suitable for CDC or requires a DA. During our initial site consultation, we'll:

• Review your property's planning controls and constraints
• Determine the most appropriate approval pathway
• Design your project to maximize the chance of approval
• Prepare all necessary documentation for either DA or CDC
• Coordinate with certifiers or council as required

The Importance of Professional Assessment

While CDC offers significant advantages when available, attempting to proceed via CDC when your project doesn't qualify can result in refusal, delays, and additional costs. Similarly, going through the DA process when CDC would suffice means unnecessary time and expense.

Our expertise lies in accurately determining the best pathway for your specific project and property, then designing and documenting your project to meet all relevant requirements. Whether DA or CDC, we manage the entire process to ensure your project approval proceeds as smoothly as possible.