Faster Approval. No Council Required.
If your project qualifies for Complying Development, you can bypass the council DA process entirely — with approvals typically issued within 2 weeks by a private certifier. Profectus Design manages the full CDC process: from eligibility check to lodgement, documentation, and approval. We'll tell you upfront whether your project qualifies and what the fastest path to construction looks like.
A Faster Pathway to Approval
Complying Development is a fast-track approval pathway for projects that meet specific planning requirements under the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). Instead of going through your local council, the application is assessed and approved by a private certifier — typically within 10 to 20 days.
The key advantage is speed. A council DA can take 4 to 12 weeks or longer. A CDC, for an eligible project, can be approved in 2 weeks from date of lodgement.
CDC is commonly used for:
- Granny flats and secondary dwellings
- Alterations, additions, and renovations that meet SEPP codes
- New home builds on residential land meeting SEPP requirements
Not every project qualifies. Eligibility depends on your specific site, lot size, zoning, and the nature of the proposed development. This is the first question we answer.
DA vs CDC — Which One Does Your Project Need?
Not sure if CDC is right for your project? Here's how it compares to a DA — and why CDC is the faster, simpler pathway for eligible projects.
| CDC — Complying Development | DA — Development Application | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed by | Private certifier | Local council |
| Typical timeframe | ~2 weeks | 4–12+ weeks |
| Design flexibility | Lower — must meet SEPP codes | Higher — greater design freedom |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Best for | Standard residential projects on eligible sites | Complex sites, heritage areas, greater flexibility with controls |
| Council involvement | None | Full council assessment |
Is My Project Eligible for CDC?
CDC eligibility depends on a combination of factors specific to your site and project. Common eligibility requirements include:
- The land is zoned residential under the Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
- The lot meets minimum size requirements under the SEPP
- The proposed building meets height, setback, and floor space ratio limits
- The site is not in a heritage conservation area or on a heritage register
- The site is not flood-affected, bush fire prone, or in a sensitive environmental zone
- The development type is listed as permissible under the SEPP Exempt and Complying Development Codes
The fastest way to find out if your project qualifies is a Site Feasibility — we review your specific site against the SEPP requirements and give you a clear answer before any design work begins.
Our CDC Process — What Happens and When
Site Feasibility & Eligibility
We review your site against the SEPP Exempt and Complying Development Codes and confirm whether CDC is the right pathway for your project. If it is, we outline the full process, timeframe, and fee.
Concept Design
We design a scheme that meets your brief and complies with the CDC code requirements from day one — no redesign later because we got the codes wrong early.
CDC Documentation
Full CDC package prepared: architectural drawings, BASIX certificate, NCC compliance documentation, and all required consultant reports coordinated and reviewed.
Certifier Appointment & Pre-Lodgement
We appoint and brief a private certifier, share preliminary plans for pre-lodgement feedback, and address any compliance issues before formal lodgement.
Lodgement & Determination
Application lodged. Certifier assesses and issues the CDC — typically within 10 to 20 days. We manage any certifier queries during this period.
Post-Approval & Construction Documentation
Once CDC is issued, we move immediately into construction documentation, ready for builder pricing and construction start.
Covering Greater Sydney & Regional NSW
We've managed CDC applications across Sydney and NSW — including projects in:
| Sutherland Shire Council | Georges River Council | Canterbury-Bankstown Council |
| Northern Beaches Council | City of Ryde Council | Inner West Council |
| Bayside Council | Hornsby Shire Council | City of Canada Bay Council |
| Fairfield City Council | Liverpool City Council | Wollondilly Shire Council |
| Shoalhaven City Council | Blue Mountains Council | Port Stephens Council |