Do I need approval for my development?
The NSW planning system has a risk based approach to development. The type of consent or approval you require, if any, depends upon the scale and potential impacts of your development (such as on traffic, noise, privacy and solar access) on adjoining properties.
There are nine different approval pathways in NSW, however, there are three assessment pathways that cover the majority of development types: exempt development; complying development; and development that requires consent from a consent authority (typically a council).
Assessment pathway
| Exempt Development | Complying Development | Development Consent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of approval | No approval | Approval by issue of complying development certificate by certifer | Council consent |
| Potential impact | Minimal envirommental / amenity impact | Predictable environmental / amenity impacts | Could be major environmental / amenity impact |
| Level of assessment | Must comply with pre-set standards | Must comply with pre-set standards and conditions | Merit assessment |
Information on whether your development could be exempt of complying development can be found on our exempt and complying development page.
If your development cannot be considered exempt or complying development, you will need to obtain development consent by submitting a development application (DA).
Where should I start?
Engagement of a professional planning consultant or building designer is strongly encouraged for any DA. For applications such as sheds and pools the suppliers may be able to assist you with preparation and lodgement of applications.
Council offers a duty planning and building service between 8.30am and 1pm daily. It is recommended that you or your consultant ring to discuss the project.
If you wish to undertake the applications yourself, it is recommended that you read the Development Application Preparation and Lodgement Guide (PDF, 623.7 KB) to understand the requirements when preparing and lodging a DA.
What type of DA do I need?
The nature of your project will determine what type of DA you need to apply for. The application fees and relevant supporting documentation may also vary by project and for each DA category. Below are the development types that are assessed by Council.
Local development
Local development refers to development that requires a DA to be submitted to Council for consideration and determination.
Most developments are categorised as local development.
Integrated development
Integrated development is development that requires development consent from Council as well as one or more approvals under other legislation listed in section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
It is your responsibility to determine whether any additional approvals are required before lodging your Development Application.
If your proposal is integrated development, Council will refer the application to the relevant approval authority to obtain its General Terms of Approval (GTA). If development consent is granted, the GTA requirements must be incorporated into the conditions of consent.
Designated development
Designated development generally refers to higher-impact development that has the potential to significantly affect the environment. Categories of designated development are listed in Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
Designated development requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which must be submitted with the Development Application for assessment.
Regionally significant development
Regionally significant development generally involves projects of larger scale, higher investment value or greater complexity. Council assesses and publicly exhibits these applications; however, the consent authority is the Southern Regional Planning Panel.
Regional development includes:
- development with a capital investment value of more than $30 million
- development with a capital investment value of more than $5 million that is:
- council related
- lodged by or on behalf of the State of NSW
- private infrastructure and community facilities or
- eco-tourist facilities
- designated extractive industries, waste facilities and marinas
- development with a capital investment value between $10 million and $30 million that is referred to the Planning Panel by the applicant after 120 days.
Next steps
Once you have determined that you require a DA and have collated all the information you require to lodge an application you can apply for the development.
Council's Applying for Development page will guide you through this step.
Useful links
Planning approval pathways - Planning NSW Website
Do I need consent from my Council? Your guide to the DA Process - Planning NSW Website