If you're planning to build a new home in NSW, one of the first things to understand is how your plans will get approved. There are two pathways: a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) and a Development Application (DA).
Allcastle Homes is experienced in both. Where a block qualifies, CDC is generally the faster and more certain route. Where a DA is the better fit — or the only option — we're equally happy to prepare and lodge it on your behalf.
The short version
CDC is the faster pathway. If your block and design meet the State Government's prescribed standards, your application must be approved — usually within around 20 days. DA is required when CDC isn't available. For example, on heritage sites, high-bushfire-risk land, or unusual blocks. Council assesses on merit, which takes several months but allows design variations to be considered.
How CDC works
A CDC is a combined planning and construction approval issued under State-government codes. The principle is simple: if your design complies with every prescribed standard, the certifier must approve it — no merit assessment, no negotiation, no neighbour objections.
Approval typically takes around 20 days from a complete application.If your design meets the code, it cannot be refused.Same construction quality. The National Construction Code, BASIX, and the statutory warranty under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) apply identically — regardless of approval pathway.
When a DA is the right choice
CDC isn't available for every block, and in some situations a DA is the better path. A DA may be required — or preferable — if:
- The property is heritage-listed or in a heritage conservation area.
- The block is bushfire-prone at higher BAL ratings.
- The land is flood-affected, irregularly shaped, or very steep.
- You'd like a design feature that varies from a prescribed standard — for example, a different setback, height, or footprint.
In these cases the council assesses the proposal on merit, which allows variations to be argued and approved. Allcastle prepares and lodges DAs as part of our standard service.
CDC vs DA at a glance
|
|
CDC |
DA |
|
Approval time |
Around 20 days |
3 to 6 months |
|
Who assesses |
Private certifier or council |
Council only |
|
Outcome |
Must be approved if compliant |
Subject to council discretion |
|
Neighbour objections |
Not permitted |
Permitted — can delay approval |
Dual occupancies under the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code
Since 2018, dual occupancies in eligible residential zones can be approved under CDC — without a council DA — provided the design meets every standard in the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code. This is a significant advantage for investors and families building a second dwelling.
Talk to an Allcastle home consultant
Every block is different. The fastest way to know which pathway suits your land — and what's possible on it — is a site assessment. Whether your project is best suited to CDC or DA, Allcastle can guide you through the process. Visit us at our display homes at Oran Park, Leppington, Box Hill or Warnervale, call 1300 255 999, or head to allcastlehomes.com.au for further details.
This guide is general information only and is not legal or planning advice. Planning legislation in NSW changes regularly. Always confirm specific requirements with a qualified planner, certifier, or your local council before lodging any application.
