What is a complying development?

In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, a complying development is a streamlined approval process for straightforward, low-impact developments that meet specific, pre-set standards. This type of development combines both planning and construction approval in a single process, allowing for faster approvals than the traditional development application (DA) route.

This type of approval can be determined through a fast-track assessment by a council or an accredited certifier. Complying development applies to homes, businesses and industry and allows for a range of things like the construction of a new dwelling house, alterations and additions to a house, new industrial buildings, demolition of a building, and changes to a business use.

Key points of complying development in NSW include:

1. Pre-set Standards: Complying development must meet strict requirements set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (known as the SEPP Codes). These requirements cover factors like building height, setbacks, environmental impact, and more.
2. Fast-Tracked Approval: Once all conditions are met, approval can typically be granted in a faster way.
3. Types of Development Covered: It generally includes minor projects like home extensions, certain types of renovations, swimming pools, and even dual occupancies in some areas. Larger developments or those with significant environmental impacts usually need a full DA.
4. Limitations: Not all properties are eligible for complying development. Heritage-listed properties, sites within environmentally sensitive areas, or developments that don’t meet the strict standards generally require traditional DA approval.

For homeowners and developers, complying development can significantly reduce the time and paperwork involved in gaining approval, provided the project meets all the specified criteria.

To understand the legislative requirements, the NSW Government has created an easy to read guide to complying development. Guide to Complying Development (PDF, 7.2 MB)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us your questions in regards to a complying development.