The DA process

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 controls all development within the Local Government Area. The Local Government Act 1993 also controls certain activities including places of public entertainment, manufactured home estates, etc.

Development is generally classified as Exempt, Complying or Local.

• Exempt development requires no approval as long as it meets the provisions of Council's Exempt Development DCP;
• Complying Development requires a Complying Development Certificate by either Council or an accredited certifier. The types of complying development are found in Council's Complying Development DCP;
• If development is not listed in either of these policies then you need to obtain a development consent from Council. This can only be obtained by lodging a (DA) with Council.

For information on how to lodge a DA follow the links on the right hand side of the page.

Development Applications 
Once you've lodged your DA it will be assigned a DA number.

Some development applications will be placed on exhibition for public comment before a decision is made. The type of applications and how exhibition will take place is set out in Council's Notification Policy. 

If any valid objections are received it will be up to you to address them during our assessment of the application.

A decision will then be made to either approve the application with conditions or refuse the application.

We assess applications for development consent on merit, against criteria set out in; the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Council plans, policies and codes.

Allow time for your application to be processed because sometimes complex issues arise.

During the process our officers will conduct a site inspection and might refer your application to other departments for advice on issues such as flood risk and traffic considerations. Some applications may also be sent to NSW State Government Departments for their comments and or approvals.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your neighbours about your plans. You can resolve many potential problems early if your neighbors are aware of your project.

Development Consent 
After you receive development consent and before building work can commence, you’ll need to obtain a Construction Certificate (designed to ensure your proposal will meet the required standards ie the Building Code of Australia and the Development Consent).

For information on how to lodge a Construction Certificate follow the links on the right hand side of the page.

You can apply for development consent and a Construction Certificate at the same time or separately, depending upon your circumstances.

Application forms are available from Council.  A form is also available to allow you to appoint Council as your Principal Certifying Authority to ensure compliance during the construction phase, this includes carrying out inspections.

Complying Development
If your development is classified as a ‘Complying Development’- instead of obtaining development consent and a Construction Certificate, you can obtain a Complying Development Certificate.

Contact our Customer Service Centre for a specific application form.

Activity application
If you’re making an activity application, you’ll need to contact Council to lodge a separate specific application form.