A Development Application (DA) may be required before you make changes to a building.
 
Development in NSW is regulated by:

• the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the "Act").
• The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

The Act defines 'development' as:

• Use of land.
• Subdivision of land.
• Erection of a building.
• Carrying out work.
• Demolition.
• Other matters controlled by an environmental planning instrument.

If your proposal is defined as a development, it must comply with the requirements of the act.

When approving a DA, we consider:

• All submissions.
• How the development will affect the area.
• Relevant planning controls and conditions.
• Public interest.
• Suitability of the site.

DA's must be lodged using Council's Development Application Guide and DA Matrix Checklist. 
 
Before you begin your DA, you should contact our Duty Planner for advice about:

• Exempt developments.
• Complying developments.
• Council’s planning controls.
• The information required in your DA.
• Other matters concerning your proposal.

 

Exempt and Complying Development

Exempt Development – consent not required (self-assessment).
 
Council’s consent is not required if your proposal is an Exempt Development. Exempt Developments are minor works, such as a small deck, fencing or kitchen renovations.

For more information, see State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

For rules governing infrastructure such as electricity-generating works or solar energy systems, see State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

Further exempt development provisions apply in: 

• Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012.
• Kogarah Local Environmental Plan 2012.

 

Complying Development – Consent required (approval in 20 days or less)

Council or an Accredited Certifier may provide fast approval for certain Complying Developments. These may include building a new house, an extension, a pool or a granny flat. For more information, see State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

For rules governing infrastructure such as electricity-generating works or solar energy systems, see State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

If you believe your proposal is a Complying Development, you must obtain a complying development certificate (CDC). An application for a CDC can be lodged with Council or a private accredited certifier. Council's Building Certification team can answer your questions about Complying Developments. Our complying development service can advise whether your proposal is a Complying Development or requires a DA.

For more information, download Council's Development Application Guide.