The Development Process

The information below is an overview of the development approval process.

Do I need approval?

• Exempt Development is development types which don't require approval to be carried out, provided they meet the development requirements.
• Complying Development is development approvals for certain types of development that comply with development requirements. Developments that satisfy these approvals can be issued in 10 days.
• Development Consent is required for most other developments.
• Building Certificates can be sought for some development types which have been constructed or altered without the relevant approval.

Prepare

• Preliminary enquiries with council. Contact Customer Service Centre on 9710 0333 and ask to speak with a Duty Officer about your proposal.
• Development Enquirer can assist you to determine what is permissible and the applicable controls.
• Development Requirements provides information on a broad range of planning policies.
• Download the Forms, required iniformation checklist and Development Application Guide. 
• Arrange a formal Pre-Application Discussion if further council assistance in dicussing the proposal is needed.
• For larger developments, arrange a formal ARAP Pre Application discussion.
• Application fees - contact Customer Service Centre on 9710 0333 for a quote of Development Application fees payable.
• Consider if you need to make an application for Work in footpaths, roads and other public places.
• Obtain a Basix Certificate. Generally these are required for works over $50,000 on residential homes.
• Obtain a 149 and zoning certificates to assist you in understanding some of the affectures and zoning of your land.
• For land which is considered Bush-Fire Prone or to contain Acid Sulfate Soils, consider further development requirements.

Lodge

• Download and complete Development Application and Required Information Sheets.
• Consider if you need to apply for Work in footpaths, roads and other public places.
• Obtain a Basix Certificate if required. generally this is for works over $50,000 on residential homes.
• Fees payable - Customer Service Centre on 9710 0333 for a quote of Development Application fees payable.
• Visit the council Customer Service Centre in person, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm to lodge your Development Application.

Assessment Period

• The council considers the impacts of the proposal.
• If satisfactory, the council will give you a development consent subject to conditions.
• Use Application Tracking to keep up to date with your application.
• Some large developments may be referred to the Joint Regional Planning Panel.
• Council will carry out Neighbour Notification of those applications which meet criteria to do so. These is generally a period of 2 weeks.
• Submission Review Panel is a panel of council staff who consider the merits of submissions received.
• Independant Hearing and Assessment Panel consider unresolved objections and makes recommendations for the council to determine.
•  Achitectural Review Advisory Panel consider the architectural merit of concept plans and development applications for major commercial, industrial, residential and community developments

After the Decision

• Make application to Review of a decision
• Modification of a consent
• Lapsing, surrender or extension of consents
• FRIDG NSW Fire Brigades Project

Construction

• Apply for your construction certificate either to the council certifier or to a qualified professional in the private sector - an 'accredited certifier'.
• Consider if any applications for Work in footpaths, roads and other public places need to be made.
• The council or an accredited certifier checks that the plans and specifications of your proposal will comply with the relevant conditions of the consent and detailed standards, including the Building Code of Australia.
• Before any works start on the site, you must appoint a principal certifying authority (PCA). This can be either the council or an accredited certifier.
• Confirm with your PCA what inspections will be done, the fee, and other requirements.
• You must provide the council with two days notice before work begins (if you have appointed a PCA).
• Work begins in accordance with the development consent, including any conditions, and the construction certificate.
• Inspections are done by the PCA at critical stages of the development.
• It is likely that your builder will advise the PCA of stages of work to allow the required inspections to be done.

After Construction

• After the works are completed, if required, the PCA will issue the occupation certificate so that the you may legaly occupy the premises.
• Some larger developments may require to provide a fire safety certificate to council.
• If you were requried to pay a bond, you may request a Bond Release.