DA vs CDC: Understanding Approval Pathways for Your Project

When planning your new home, renovation, or extension, one of the first and most important steps is understanding the approval process. In NSW, there are two main approval pathways for residential projects, Development Application (DA) and Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Both serve the purpose of ensuring your project meets planning and building regulations, but the process, requirements, and timelines differ.

At Your Home Designs, we make this process as smooth as possible by preparing everything you need, regardless of the pathway. Let’s break it down.

What is a Development Application (DA)?

A Development Application is submitted to your local council for assessment. This process applies when your proposed works don’t meet the strict standards for CDC or fall under a zoning or site-specific requirement that mandates a DA.

Why DA?

A Development Application offers greater design freedom and can accommodate unique site conditions or custom design elements. Your DA will be formally reviewed and assessed by the local council’s planning department. The process typically takes longer than a CDC, often ranging from 6 to 12 weeks or more, depending on the council’s workload. You may need to provide supporting documentation such as bushfire assessments, heritage reports, or environmental impact statements when lodging a DA.

What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?

A CDC is a fast-track approval process for straightforward projects that comply fully with the NSW Government’s State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and other applicable codes. CDC is assessed by a private certifier and can often bypasses the lengthy DA process.

Why CDC?

A Complying Development Certificate usually receives approval within 2 to 4 weeks once all required documents are submitted. However, to go down this pathway, your design must fully comply with SEPP requirements, including setbacks, site coverage, and height limits. CDCs generally involve fewer supporting reports, which can make the overall process more cost-effective compared to a DA. If your design does not meet CDC criteria, you will need to submit a Development Application instead.

Which Pathway is Right for You?

The choice between DA and CDC depends on your site conditions, zoning, and design. At Your Home Designs, we guide you through this decision from the start, ensuring your project progresses through the most efficient and suitable pathway. Navigating compliance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With over 11 years of experience and a team that understands the ins and outs of planning requirements, we take care of everything from initial design through to approval, so you can focus on the exciting part, bringing your dream to life.

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to discuss your project and find the best pathway forward.