The Preparing for a Successful Development Application in 2025
Navigating the development application (DA) process can seem daunting when planning a building project in New South Wales. However, with the right preparation and understanding, you can significantly increase your chances of success. No two DAs are the same, and each site is subject to unique zoning laws, development controls, and council-specific requirements. This makes early preparation and tailored planning essential.
This is where EzFeasy shines. EzFeasy helps you understand the requirements upfront by providing a site-specific feasibility report, streamlining the process and saving you time and effort.
The next step is to determine the relevant information you must prepare to ensure a successful development application and further streamline the process.
Expert Tip
Before starting, download your council’s checklist or documentation matrix. This invaluable resource outlines precisely what needs to be submitted, ensuring your application meets the specific requirements of your council.Be aware that requirements can differ between councils. For instance, the Northern Beaches Council mandates that your topographical survey be current, completed, and signed by a registered surveyor.
Additionally, the property boundaries must be clearly identified in the form of a boundary identification, and the survey must reference the Australian Height Datum (AHD) rather than an assumed benchmark. This ensures accurate height measurements, particularly in areas prone to flooding or other environmental constraints.
Once you have this information, you can start gathering the relevant documents. Some professionals can manage this process for you, and some are better suited. Here at EzFeasy, approvals are what we do day in and day out. While a builder might work on five homes a year requiring approvals, EzFeasy will complete 10 to 20 times that amount annually. So, if you’re looking for someone to navigate the approval process on your behalf, get in touch.
If you’re planning to manage the process yourself, ensuring you’re providing the correct information to the right professional is crucial. For example, when requesting a Topographical Survey (also known as a Detail and Level Survey) from a surveyor, it’s vital to specify your requirements. Without clear instructions, you may receive a survey with an assumed datum in a flood zone or one that fails to identify boundaries as required by councils like Northern Beaches. A clear description of what you need ensures the survey is accurate from the outset, saving you time and additional costs later if updates are required before submission.
By preparing thoroughly and leveraging professional expertise, you can navigate the DA process smoothly and with confidence.
Pre-lodgment Meetings
A pre-lodgement meeting with the council can be invaluable for more complex applications. If the planning controls for your site are unclear or open to interpretation, organising a pre-lodgement meeting provides an opportunity to seek clarification and address any site-specific concerns. During this meeting, you can raise questions about the council’s interpretation of particular controls or policies.
For example, in heritage conservation areas, there may be elements of an existing building you wish to modify. By consulting the council’s heritage officer during the pre-lodgement meeting, you can gain insights into whether your proposed changes align with conservation guidelines. The officer may provide feedback on suitable alterations or highlight areas that need adjustment. This early guidance allows you to proceed confidently or make necessary changes upfront, eliminating uncertainty and reducing the likelihood of your DA being delayed or refused.
Pre-lodgement meetings are especially useful for navigating grey areas, ensuring that your application aligns with council expectations and progresses as smoothly as possible.
Let’s now dive into some common questions surrounding development applications in NSW.
How Long Does a Development Application (DA) Approval Take in NSW?
The timeframe for a Development Application (DA) approval in NSW can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project and the council’s current workload. While councils typically aim to process DAs within 40 days, this is rarely the case in practice. In our experience, most applications take between 60 to 90 calendar days to assess unless the application is particularly small and straightforward.
It’s important to remember that the clock doesn’t start ticking from the moment you lodge your application. The pending lodgement phase—which can take up to 6 weeks in some councils—delays the actual start of the assessment. Once your application is officially lodged, the typical timeline looks something like this:
| Step | Best Case (Days) | Average (Days) |
| Council admin to raise an invoice for lodgement | 3 | 5 |
| Payment of invoice to be recorded | 1 | 3 |
| Application allocated to an assessing officer | 3 | 5 |
| The assessing officer places the application on public notification and refers it to other departments and agencies | 3 | 5 |
| 14-day notification period | 14 | 14 |
| Town planner’s assessment of the application | 4 | 10 |
| Request for additional information (RFI) issued by the council | 0 | 5 |
| Assessment of additional information | 4 | 10 |
| Council officer drafts assessment report for team leader review | 3 | 5 |
| The team leader reviews and provides revisions or approves the assessment for finalising | 3 | 5 |
| Sent to admin for recording, stamping, and issuing approval | 2 | 5 |
| Total | 40 | 72 |
In a best-case scenario, where everything aligns perfectly (no requests for additional information, no neighbour objections, and no internal delays), a 40-day approval timeframe could be achieved. However, this would require every part of the process to move as quickly as possible, with no staff delays (such as sickness or leave) and no complexities in the application itself. In this case, you might want to buy a lottery ticket!
Given these variables, it’s crucial to be prepared for a longer waiting period and plan accordingly. The more thorough your application and the clearer your understanding of council requirements, the smoother and quicker the process can be.
Reasons for Delay in a Development Application
Several factors can cause delays in the Development Application (DA) process. Some common reasons include:
- Incomplete or Non-Compliant Documentation: Missing or incorrect information can significantly slow down the approval process. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are submitted in the correct format.
- Community Objections: These objections must be addressed if neighbours or community members raise concerns during the public notification period. This may require additional information or modifications to the proposal, adding time to the process.
- Referrals to Other Government Agencies: Some applications may need to be referred to agencies like the Rural Fire Service or WaterNSW. If these agencies are dealing with backlogs or other priorities, it may take longer to get their feedback.
- Multiple Council Departments: Applications often need to be assessed by various departments within the council, including:
- Health
- Landscape
- Building Surveying
- Town Planning
- Engineering
- If one department experiences delays due to staffing issues or a backlog, your entire application could be held up.
- Requests for Further Information: If the council’s assessing officer needs more details to make a decision, they will issue a request for additional information. This may include:
- More specific plans or drawings
- Additional reports or documentation
- The clock on your application is paused during this period, and you will typically have 14 days to provide the requested information. Delays in submitting these details can further prolong the process.
By understanding these potential delays and preparing your application thoroughly, you can help minimise their impact on your approval timeline.
Source: Real Property Signs. URL:https://www.realpropertysigns.com.au/gallery/
How Long Does a DA Last/Is It Valid For?
A Development Application (DA) approval is typically valid for 5 years from the approval date, although this timeframe can vary depending on the specific conditions set by the council or the nature of the project.
If construction has yet to commence within this period, the approval may lapse, and you will need to apply for a new DA or request an extension. Extensions are usually granted for valid reasons, such as delays in obtaining financing or resolving site-related issues.
It’s essential to check the conditions of your specific DA to ensure compliance with its validity period.
How Much Does a DA Approval Cost in NSW? Council Fees
The cost of a DA varies depending on the type and scale of the project. Councils calculate fees based on the estimated cost of the development:
- For a project valued under $100,000, fees generally range between $450 and $600.
- For larger developments, costs escalate based on the value and complexity of the project.
It’s important to note that this only covers the fee the council charges to accept and assess the application. You will need to engage multiple professionals to provide the relevant documentation, such as architectural drawings, a topographical survey, stormwater drainage drawings, a BASIX Certificate, and many more, to be able to submit your development application.
What Happens if My DA is Refused?
Before a Development Application (DA) is refused, the council will typically allow you to address concerns raised during the assessment process. This is done through a Request for Further Information (RFI). If the council identifies any issues with your application, they will issue an RFI asking you to provide additional details or revise certain elements of your proposal. Once you’ve submitted the requested information, your application will continue to be assessed.
However, if your DA is ultimately refused, you still have several options:
- Modify and Resubmit: After receiving a refusal, you can address the reasons for the refusal and submit a new application. This may involve revising the design or providing additional documentation based on the council’s feedback.
- Request a Review: If you disagree with the council’s decision, you can request a review of the refusal. This request must typically be made within 6 months of the decision. The council will reassess the application and may decide to overturn the refusal.
- Appeal to the Land and Environment Court: If the refusal still stands after the review and you believe the decision was unjust, you can appeal the refusal to the Land and Environment Court. This process can be costly and time-consuming, so evaluating if pursuing this option is worthwhile is crucial.
What Are Valid Reasons to Object to Planning Applications in NSW?
Neighbours and community members may object to a DA for reasons including:
- Impact on Privacy: Overlooking windows or balconies that compromise neighbouring privacy.
- Noise or Traffic Concerns: Increased disruption caused by the proposed development.
- Non-Compliance: Breaches of local planning controls, such as exceeding height or floor space limits.
- Environmental Impact: Issues like tree removal or harm to biodiversity.
What is a CDC Approval?
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is an alternative approval pathway to a Development Application (DA). It applies to simpler, low-impact projects that meet pre-established standards.
CDCs are typically assessed under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, although some building types, such as those covered by State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, are also eligible for assessment under this pathway.
CDCs provide a streamlined approval process for certain types of development, allowing for quicker approvals—often as fast as 20 days—by bypassing the public notification and more complex assessment processes required for DAs. This makes CDCs an attractive option for straightforward projects that meet the set criteria, offering homeowners and developers an efficient, cost-effective way to gain approval.
What is the Difference Between CDC and DA?
The primary differences between a CDC and a DA are:
| Aspect | CDC | DA |
| Approval Speed | Faster (as little as 20 days) | Longer (average 60–90 days) |
| Public Notification | Not required | Required |
| Flexibility | Limited to predetermined standards | Broader range of projects |
| Authority | Accredited certifier or council | Council approval only |
| Stages | 1 stage – ready for construction | Requires a Construction Certificate (CC) post-DA consent |
| People to Assess | 1 individual can assess and approve | Multiple people (e.g. planners, engineers, etc.) with team leader or manager review before approval |
Why Preparation Matters
Effective preparation is the key to a successful Development Application (DA). Each council has its own set of controls, zoning regulations, and community concerns, which means no two DAs are the same. Understanding these specific requirements before starting your project is crucial to avoid delays and setbacks.
This is where EzFeasy comes in. By providing detailed, site-specific feasibility reports, EzFeasy ensures you have the correct information upfront to navigate the DA process confidently. With our expertise, we help you save time, reduce stress, and significantly increase the chances of your application being approved.
Ready to simplify your DA process? Contact EzFeasy today and set yourself up for approval success.
