Do I need a DA?
It seems that it is generally known that you can’t build a new house or an extension to an existing house without first obtaining approval from the local council.

Approvals with the local council are called Development Applications [DA].

Councils have a number of planning rules that establish controls such as:
– how high your house can be
– how close to your neighbour you can build and even
– the total maximum square meters you can build on your land

It is important to discuss your project with an architect who has a broad knowledge of those controls so you can maximize the potential of your site.

The CDC alternative
There is an alternative form of approval that doesn’t require council involvement. It is called Compliant Development Certificate [CDC].

The CDC is based on a State Environmental Planning Policy, it is non flexible, meaning you have to be fully compliant but it is very quick to approve.

The Main difference between DA and CDC
The CDC is approved via a certifier, instead of a council. It doesn’t necessarily consider neighbours’ objections and therefore gives a quicker path of approval than DAs.
A DA in the other hand is flexible, and judged under merit. Meaning that , as an example, your house could go over the maximum height limit, as long as the documents presented can hold a strong case why the non compliance is not detrimental to neighbours and justifiable.

So in summary, CDCs are quicker however you will have to adhere to all the rules. DAs take longer but can, at times, give you a better result in your land.

Another significant difference is that the DA is only a planning approval. This means that after the DA is granted, you will need to apply for a Construction certificate before you can start building.

Whereas a CDC is already the approval to build. Once the CDC is granted, one can start construction.

The third option, which you would certainly need an architect to advise, is a split approval where you can combine DA and CDC to get the house you want.

So where do we start?
I usually suggest you start by investigating both options and how they compare with the design you are trying to achieve. At times the DA will be largely advantageous, at others the CDC will be the best choice.

Would you like to understand more? Get in contact with us, we would love to assist.