Price Beat Guarantee: Got a comparable quote? We'll beat it by 5%. — send it through

Complying Development Certificates in Sydney

Get your Complying Development Certificate approved fast. Sydney Wide Certifiers provides CDC assessments for homes, additions & commercial projects across Sydney.

Get a Free Quote (02) 9002 7484
5,000+
Certificates Issued
SWC Tick
Fully Registered & Insured
Greater Sydney
Greater Sydney & Surrounding Regions
150+
4.9★ Google Reviews
Read our reviews

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval that lets you fast-track your project without a full Development Application. Under the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, qualifying projects can be assessed and determined by a registered certifier within the statutory 10 business day timeframe. Sydney Wide Certifiers helps homeowners, builders and developers determine eligibility and lodge CDC applications efficiently.

What's Included

Assessment of your proposal against the relevant Codes SEPP provisions, including the General Housing Code, Housing Alterations Code, Rural Housing Code, Commercial and Industrial Code, and Demolition Code.

Verification of site-specific development standards such as setbacks, height, floor space ratio, landscaped area and boundary clearances as prescribed by the Codes SEPP.

Review of BASIX commitments, structural adequacy, fire safety provisions and access compliance as required under the Building Code of Australia (BCA/NCC).

Coordination with council notification requirements and checking for any site constraints including heritage listings, flood mapping, bushfire-prone land or contamination issues that may disqualify complying development.

Preparation and issue of the CDC documentation, including the approved plans, conditions of certification and any required pre-conditions before work commences.

Ongoing monitoring of legislative updates from the Department of Planning and Environment to ensure every CDC we issue reflects current standards.

How It Works

01

Submit your plans and site information for a free eligibility pre-check. We review the Codes SEPP criteria against your site and proposal to confirm complying development is viable.

02

Once eligibility is confirmed, lodge your formal CDC application with full architectural plans, BASIX certificate, structural details, and any specialist reports (e.g., geotechnical, bushfire).

03

We complete a thorough assessment against the relevant Code provisions, BCA/NCC requirements and any referenced Australian Standards, then issue conditions and request any additional information if needed.

04

Your CDC is issued within the statutory timeframe. We provide the approved plans, list of conditions, and guidance on pre-commencement requirements before construction begins.

05

If required, we can also act as your Principal Certifier for the construction phase, carrying through from approval to final Occupation Certificate.

Why Choose Sydney Wide Certifiers

Significantly faster turnaround than a traditional DA — the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 mandates determination within 10 business days of a complete application.

Single point of contact from eligibility check through to issue, removing the need to navigate council planning and certification separately.

Our certifiers hold current registration under the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 and carry professional indemnity insurance for every certificate issued.

Transparent fixed-fee pricing with no hidden council lodgement fees — all costs are outlined before you commit.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects can be approved through a Complying Development Certificate?
The Codes SEPP sets out several development codes covering new dwellings (up to two storeys), internal and external alterations and additions, commercial and industrial fit-outs and changes of use, demolition of buildings, and certain ancillary structures like swimming pools, sheds and carports. However, the proposal must meet every applicable development standard in the Code — if it fails even one numerical standard (for example, a side setback is 50 mm short), the project cannot be approved as complying development and will need a DA. Additionally, sites that are heritage-listed, in certain flood or coastal hazard zones, or contain critical habitat are typically excluded.
How long does it take to get a CDC compared to a Development Application?
Under section 4.27 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, a certifier must determine a CDC application within 10 business days of receiving a complete application with all required documentation. In practice, our average turnaround is 7–10 business days from lodgement of a complete application. By comparison, a Development Application lodged with council has no guaranteed determination period — straightforward DAs commonly take 6 to 12 weeks, while more complex proposals can take several months or longer, particularly if additional information requests, neighbour notifications or panel assessments are involved.
Can a CDC be modified after it has been issued?
Yes. If you need to make changes to an approved CDC, a modification application can be lodged under section 4.17 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as applied to complying development). Minor modifications that still comply with the relevant Code provisions can be assessed and approved by the certifier who issued the original CDC. If the changes are substantial enough that the proposal no longer satisfies the complying development standards, you may need to lodge a new CDC application or pursue a Development Application instead. We always recommend discussing proposed changes with us before commencing amended work.

Need Help With Your Project?

Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. Got a comparable quote? We'll beat it by 5%. *T&Cs

Get a Quote or call (02) 9002 7484
Get a Free Quote