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There are a number of factors that affect the timeframe for DAs to be approved, including the scale and complexity of the development, the documentation required, the consent authority and whether the DA is residential, commercial or industrial. A rough guide is below.

• Simple residential DAs – 6 to 8 weeks
• Larger developments – 3 to 6+ months
• Projects requiring external referrals – longer, especially if it involves heritage, bushfire, or environmental factors.

A CDC is a fast-tracked approval process that allows certain developments (e.g., new homes, extensions, granny flats) to be approved without a full DA, provided they meet the NSW Exempt & Complying Development Codes.

It depends. After we assess the scope and complexity of your project, we will provide a fee proposal for you to review. If you accept the quote, a 30% deposit is required before work can commence. The balance of our fees are payable once your DA is prepared and ready for lodgement. 

If a DA is refused, you can:

• Modify and resubmit the application based on council feedback
• Submit a Section 8.2 Review of Determination Application to Council
• Lodge an appeal with the NSW Land and Environment Court

In most cases, a Change of Use DA or CDC is required unless the new use is permitted under existing zoning rules. Additional approvals may be needed for parking, accessibility, fire safety, and signage.

If you’ve received a council notice, a stop work order, or discovered that your property includes unauthorised building work, you will need to apply for a Building Information Certificate.

This can be a lengthy and complicated process and requires an in-depth understanding of the relevant legislation and building codes. We recommend contacting a building regularisation & compliance consultant.

When your DA is lodged, council may publicly exhibit the proposal for 14–28 days, allowing neighbours and the community to review and comment. Their feedback becomes part of the assessment.

A SoEE explains the likely impacts of your proposal and how they will be managed. It must accompany most DAs and is a key part of Council’s assessment.

A Modification Application (Section 4.55 or 4.56 Application) is used to request changes to an approved Development Application (DA) without needing to submit a new DA. This allows you to adjust you development plans while ensuring compliance with local council regulations and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

Small internal works like painting, shelving and simple refits usually do not require approval. Some examples of when the need for building approval will be triggered include:

• Changing the use of the premises

• The building is heritage listed

• New plumbing will be installed

• Strucutral changes and/or changing the layout of the building