Types of developments

If you're not sure what type of development your project is, this brief explanation could help you identify in which category your development project will be classified.

The NSW Planning Portal is a digital space where you can lodge a range of planning applications with Council. From Friday 18 December, Council no longer accepts hardcopy and email applications.

Visit here for more information about the Portal or to lodge your application.

Development is defined as a collective term for making changes to your land, buildings and or how they are used.

Most developments are generally classified under one of the following categories:

  • Exempt - means your proposal meets specified criteria and development consent is not required. For example, a car port, deck or cubby house. The exempt complying code outlines the criteria under which a proposal can be classified as exempt.
  • Complying - means your proposal is in line with pre-determined development standards and can be certified without the need for a DA. For example a swimming pool. This 'fast tracked' process combines planning and construction approval, and requires you to lodge an application for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Other types of development include integrated, where another authority is involved in the approval process, such as the Rural Fire Service (RFS), or designated, where the proposal has the potential for significant environmental impacts.

Both integrated and designated developments are required to go on exhibition for public comment, which is done through the application tracking tool.