Complying Development Certificates
Bypass the council queue entirely. Get a combined planning and construction approval from our unrestricted private certifiers in as little as 10 days.
The basics
What is a Complying Development Certificate in NSW?
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval issued by a private certifier - completely bypassing the local council approval queue.
Introduced by the NSW Government, the CDC pathway applies where a project strictly meets the pre-set development standards within the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes).
If every single parameter is satisfied - height, setbacks, landscaping ratio - approval is guaranteed by law. No merit assessment, no council politics, and no legal right for neighbours to object.
Why developers choose the CDC pathway
- Approval speedDays, not months - 10 to 20 business days on average.
- Zero subjectivityIf it meets the code, it must be approved. No planner discretion.
- Cost certaintyTransparent private certifier fees; no council delay costs.
- Neighbour protectionNeighbours are notified but cannot lodge formal objections.
Eligible projects
What can be built under a CDC?
The NSW Codes SEPP covers a wide variety of residential and commercial works.
New Homes (1 & 2 Storey)
Class 1a single and double-storey dwellings.
Granny Flats & Secondary Dwellings
Up to 60m² on existing lots.
Renovations & Extensions
Ground-floor additions and first-floor work.
Swimming Pools & Barriers
Backyard pools with mandatory fence compliance.
Commercial Fitouts
Class 5–9 office and retail change-of-use.
Demolitions
Fast standalone demolition approvals.
Our process
From plans to permit - 4 steps
How we take you from architectural drawings to legally breaking ground.
Gather Documents
Architectural plans, structural engineering, 10.7 Planning Certificate, Sydney Water Tap-in approval.
Code Compliance Check
Our certifiers audit every plan against the NSW State Codes SEPP. Any non-compliances returned as a clear RFI.
CDC Issued
Combined planning and construction approval issued. You are legally authorised to commence works.
Stage Inspections & OC
We act as your Principal Certifier - conducting all critical-stage inspections through to the Occupation Certificate.
FAQs
Common questions about CDCs
Everything you need to know before submitting your application.
Our private certifiers typically issue a CDC within 10 to 20 business days, assuming all documentation is accurate and complete from the outset.
Yes - under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) neighbours are notified at least 14 days before the CDC is issued. However, unlike a DA, neighbours have no legal right to object or stall the development.
Generally no. State or locally heritage-listed properties are excluded from the CDC pathway and must lodge a Development Application with their local council.
A CDC is a strict tick-the-box assessment with no merit-based discretion. If your design fails a single control (height, setback, landscaping ratio), we issue a Request for Information - your architect amends the drawings, and we re-assess.
