CDC vs Development Application in NSW: What’s the Difference?

Ida Bahrami
1 day ago
3 min read

If you’re planning to build or develop in New South Wales, one of the first questions you need to answer is:

Do I need a Development Application (DA), or can I apply for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?

The approval pathway you choose will affect your timeline, costs, flexibility, and overall project risk. Below is a clear explanation of both options and how they apply in NSW.

What Is a Development Application?

A Development Application (DA) is a formal request submitted to your local council seeking approval to carry out development.

Council assesses a DA against:

Local Environmental Plans (LEP)
Development Control Plans (DCP)
State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)
Environmental and neighbourhood impacts

A Development Application is required when your proposal does not meet standard complying development rules or when it involves site constraints such as heritage, bushfire, flooding, or significant design variations.

Unlike a CDC, a DA is assessed on merit. This means council planners can apply discretion when reviewing your design.

Typical DA approval timeframes in NSW range from 8 to 12 weeks, although more complex projects can take several months.

How Much Does a Development Application Cost?

The cost of a Development Application in NSW varies depending on the scale and estimated construction value of the project.

Expenses usually include:

Council lodgement fees (based on project value)
Architectural drawings
Stormwater and engineering plans
Specialist consultant reports (heritage, bushfire, arborist, traffic, etc.)
Cost estimate documentation

For smaller residential developments, DA-related costs may start in the thousands, while larger or more complex projects can be significantly higher.

The main drivers of cost are site constraints and project complexity.

What Does CDC Stand For?

CDC stands for:

Complying Development Certificate

It combines development consent and construction approval into a single certificate.

What Is a CDC?

A CDC, or Complying Development Certificate, is a fast-tracked approval pathway available in NSW for straightforward projects that meet strict state planning standards.

In simple terms, a CDC allows you to obtain both planning and construction approval in one streamlined process — provided your proposal complies with every rule.

What Is CDC Approval?

CDC approval is granted when your proposed development satisfies all relevant criteria under NSW planning legislation, including applicable State Environmental Planning Policies such as the Housing Code.

A CDC can be issued by:

An accredited private certifier, or
Your local council

Approval can often be granted within 10 to 20 working days, making it significantly faster than a Development Application.

However, CDC approval has no flexibility. If your design breaches even one control — such as height, setback, or floor area — you must pursue a DA instead.

What Is a Complying Development Certificate in NSW?

In NSW, a Complying Development Certificate is intended for low-risk development that:

Meets predefined state planning standards
Does not require council discretion
Can be assessed against a rule-based checklist

Projects commonly approved under CDC include:

New one- or two-storey houses
Alterations and additions
Granny flats or secondary dwellings
Swimming pools and sheds
Demolition
Shop fit-outs
Certain commercial or industrial works

CDC is best suited to standard designs on unconstrained sites.

CDC vs Development NSW Application: Key Differences

The main difference between CDC and DA lies in flexibility and speed.

A CDC offers:

Faster approval
Lower assessment complexity
No merit-based discretion

A DA offers:

Greater design flexibility
Council review and public notification
The ability to seek variations

If your project strictly complies with planning controls, CDC is often the fastest route. If flexibility or site-specific assessment is required, a Development Application is necessary.

Which Approval Pathway Do You Need?

Determining whether you need a Development Application or qualify for a Complying Development Certificate should happen at the feasibility stage.

Factors that influence the pathway include:

Zoning
Lot size and frontage
Height and setback compliance
Environmental constraints
Design variations

Choosing the wrong pathway can lead to delays, redesign costs, and reduced profitability.

How OwnerDeveloper Assists with CDC and DA Approvals

At OwnerDeveloper, we assess projects early to determine:

Whether your site qualifies for CDC approval
Whether a Development Application is required
Approval risks and likely timeframes
The financial impact of each pathway

Our planning pathway assessments ensure you understand the regulatory framework before committing to detailed design and consultant costs.

Need Advice on CDC vs DA in NSW?

If you are unsure whether your development requires a Development Application or qualifies for a Complying Development Certificate in NSW, early guidance can save time and reduce risk.

Contact OwnerDeveloper today for a planning pathway assessment and ensure your project starts on the right approval track.