Planning a home renovation, extension or new build in New South Wales? Feeling swamped by approval processes and council lingo? You’re not alone – and you’re definitely not the first person to wonder what the heck the difference is between a CDC (Complying Development Certificate) and a DA (Development Application)… and which one’s the faster, less stressful route to getting shovels in the ground.
Let’s break it all down in plain English – no jargon, no fluff, and no planning degree required.
First Things First: What Actually Is a CDC or a DA?
When you’re building or renovating in NSW, you usually need one of two types of approval:
✅ Development Application (DA)
A DA is submitted to your local council. It’s a bit like asking, “Hey Council, can I do this?” and waiting while they check it against local planning rules, consult the neighbours, and decide based on a mix of facts, opinions and red tape.
Think of it as the scenic route – it might get you there, but expect some traffic lights (and maybe a few detours).
✅ Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
This one’s the fast lane. If your project ticks every box of a strict state code (no wiggle room), you can get your approval through a private certifier instead of going through council.
Think: “Box ticked? You’re in.” It’s faster, simpler… but very black-and-white. If your design doesn’t comply 100%, you’ll be bumped over to the DA lane.
Why Most Homeowners Cross Their Fingers for a CDC
If your project can be approved via CDC, here’s what you’re likely to save:
Time: CDCs are often approved in 2–4 weeks. DA’s? They can take 3 to 6 months, depending on your council’s workload (and whether Karen next door decides to object).
Money: With fewer council fees and less back-and-forth, CDCs are often cheaper by thousands. Yep – thousands.
For straightforward projects that fit neatly within the rules, CDCs are the golden ticket.
So… What’s the Catch?
Glad you asked.
A CDC only works if your project fits within a very strict set of guidelines. There’s no room for negotiation. Miss one rule? No dice.
By contrast, a DA might take longer, but councils can assess your plans on merit – so if you’re just over the line on one thing (like building height or a side setback), they might still approve it.
Quick Comparison: DA vs CDC
| Feature | DA | CDC |
|---|---|---|
|
Approval by |
Local Council |
Private Certifier
|
|
Typical Timeframe |
3–6 months |
2–4 weeks
|
|
Neighbour Objections? |
Yes |
No |
|
Design Flexibility |
High |
Zero |
|
Costs |
Higher |
Lower (often by $2,000–$15,000)
|
5 Fast Checks: Is Your Project Eligible for a CDC?
Before you get your hopes up, here’s a quick DIY checklist to see if your build might qualify:
1. Zoning & Site Restrictions
Check your planning certificate. If your block is flood-prone, bushfire-prone, heritage-listed or in the wrong zone, it might be DA-only.
2. Setbacks
Are you building too close to a fence? CDCs have strict rules about how far your home or extension must be from the front, sides, and rear boundaries.
3. Building Height & Storeys
Most CDCs only allow up to 8.5 metres tall and 2 storeys max. Anything taller or on a steep slope might need to go DA.
4. Site Coverage & Floor Space Ratio
There’s a limit to how much of your land you can build on. Bigger builds = less chance of CDC approval.
5. Minimum Landscaped Area
Love paving the entire backyard? Might be time to fall back in love with grass – a certain % must stay green to qualify for CDC.
Still Not Sure Which Path Is Right?
If all this makes your head spin (we get it), here’s the easy way forward:
👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with our team at MT Design Collective. We’ll review your plans, check your eligibility, and steer you down the best approval path – no stress, no strings.
Final Word: Don’t Let Council Confusion Stall Your Dream Home
Whether you’re building a modern new home, adding a second storey, or finally turning that dusty garage into a luxe guest retreat, knowing whether you can go DA or CDC can save you months of waiting and thousands in costs.
The trick? Talk to someone who’s done this a few hundred times before.
We’re MT Design Collective – and we’re here to help homeowners across Newcastle & Lake Mac get it right from the very start.
