Complying Development Certificates

Contact us and provide the following if available: 

1. Detailed Plans: Providing construction-ready plans, typically created by a draftsman or architect, helps your certifier assess your project promptly and comprehensively.
2. Title Search: To confirm legal ownership. 
3. Deposited Plan (DP): Which defines the legal boundary information of the land. 
4. Instrument 88b: Usually attached to a DP, indicates easements, restrictions on the use of land and positive covenants.
5. 10.7 Planning Certificate: Contains details on the zoning, development and planning controls, and restrictions that apply to the parcel of land. 

If you are unsure how to obtain the above, we offer these services and can include them in your quote.

It is possible to carry out a range of building projects without having to lodge a development application (DA) to council. We can help you determine if complying development is applicable or possible for your project. Contact us and provide the following if available: 

1. Detailed Plans: Providing construction-ready plans, typically created by a draftsman or architect, helps your certifier assess your project promptly and comprehensively.
2. Title Search: To confirm legal ownership. 
3. Deposited Plan (DP): Which defines the legal boundary information of the land. 
4. Instrument 88b: Usually attached to a DP, indicates easements, restrictions on the use of land and positive covenants.
5. 10.7 Planning Certificate: Contains details on the zoning, development and planning controls, and restrictions that apply to the parcel of land. 

Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a certificate of approval issued by a Private Certifier, such as Future Cert, that confirms you can carry out your building project without council approval. It combines planning and construction approval, allowing for a faster and cost-effective approval process for straightforward building projects that adhere to predefined standards in State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP).

For CDC to be valid, it must be issued by either the council or a Registered Certifier, such as FutureCert before any construction work starts.

Complying development must strictly adhere to predetermined development standards, which may include size limitations, setbacks, height restrictions, and other relevant guidelines. If the proposed work does not satisfy the local, state or national criteria, you do not qualify for a CDC and the project must follow the  Development Application (DA)/ Construction Certificate (CC) approval pathway.  

Projects that qualify for Complying Development Certificate approval encompass a range of work, including pools, sheds, new dwellings, dual occupancies, alterations and additions, granny flats and more. Check the Planning NSW guide for a comprehensive list and guide. NSW Government Guide to Complying Development.

Three Stages of CDC Approval:

Our CDC approval process is divided into three stages:

Stage 1 – Confirming Requirements

1. Our team reviews your project's requirements, providing a quote covering CDC Approval, required inspections, and an occupation certificate.
2. Optional CDC Pre Assessment is available for further review against SEPP before lodging.

Stage 2 – Meeting Requirements

1. Upon quote acceptance and application completion, your application is lodged on the NSW Planning Portal.
2. Our certifiers conduct a thorough review, considering SEPP and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and perform a site inspection.
3. If necessary, a Request for Information (RFI) outlines additional documentation or information required.
4. Once the requirements are met, your certifier can issue the Approval.

Stage 3 – Construction & Occupation Certificate

1. After receiving your Approval, you may need to fulfill prior-to-commencement items listed.
2. Once these are provided, we issue a notice of commencement, allowing construction to begin in two days.
3. Our team conducts inspections at critical stages to ensure compliance with BCA requirements and consent conditions.
4. Upon completion, we issue your Occupation Certificate.

CDC combines planning and construction approval and fast-tracks straightforward development applications. A CDC is faster because it bypasses council approval, which comes in the form of a DA; a merit-based assessment typically handled by the council. If you do not qualify for CDC, a DA is issued by council and you also require a construction certificate (CC) issued by a registered certifier, such as FutureCert before works can begin. 

The cost of a CDC can vary depending on the scope of work and the location. To determine the exact cost, you can request a quote on our Contact Us page, or by emailing support@futurecert.com.au. 

A Section 10.7 Certificate is typically provided by the local council and contains essential planning information about property use, such as residential or commercial, along with any development restrictions. This certificate is usually available for around $60 from council 

Exempt development work tends to be of a minor nature and can be carried out without Council consent. Exempt development covers building improvements such as retaining walls, pergolas, greenhouses, patios, decks, emergency works and skylights. Regardless of the work, however, all building working and improvements must be structurally adequate and continue to be in compliance with the BCA whether or not a CDC is required. Refer to below link for further information on Exempt Development Code https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2008-0572#pt.2