DA vs CDC in NSW: Which Approval Path Is Right for Your Build?

If you’re building a new home, duplex, or extension in NSW, one of the first questions you’ll hear is:

“Are you going DA or CDC?”

Most people nod like they understand - but very few actually do.

Choosing the wrong approval pathway can add months of delays, trigger unexpected design changes, and in some cases force you to start again from scratch.

Here’s the real difference - explained properly.

What is a DA (Development Application)?

A DA is a planning approval issued by your local council.

Your plans are assessed against:

• Local Development Control Plans (DCPs)

• LEP zoning rules

• Neighbour impacts (overshadowing, privacy, streetscape, setbacks)

• Heritage, flood, bushfire, or environmental overlays

DA is used when:

• Your site has planning constraints

• Your design doesn’t fit “complying” rules

• You’re doing a duplex, subdivision, or complex build

• Your block is flood-affected, sloping, bushfire-prone, or irregular

DA gives flexibility - but takes longer and requires stronger documentation.

Typical timeframe:8-20 weeks depending on council and complexity.

What is a CDC (Complying Development Certificate)?

A CDC is a fast-track approval system under the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy.

If your design fits strict pre-set rules for:

• Height

• Floor space

• Setbacks

• Site coverage

• Landscaping

• Parking

• Overlooking & overshadowing

…then it can be approved by a private certifier without going to council.

CDC is ideal for:

• Standard homes

• Simple extensions

• Duplexes on compliant blocks

• Sites with no major constraints

Typical timeframe:2-4 weeks when prepared correctly.

But here’s the catch…

Why CDCs Fail So Often

CDC looks easier — but it’s actually less forgiving than DA.

If your design fails one rule:

• The certifier must reject it

• You can’t “negotiate” like you can with council

• You’re forced back into DA anyway

We see this all the time:

Clients spend thousands designing for CDC… only to find out their block can never comply.

That’s why feasibility comes first.

DA vs CDC — Side by Side

Feature	DA	CDC
Who approves it	Council	Private certifier
Flexibility	High	Very low
Speed	Slower	Fast
Negotiation	Yes	No
Suitable for tricky sites	Yes	No
Risk of rejection	Medium	High if not checked
Design freedom	Greater	Restricted

So… which one should you choose?

There is no universal answer - it depends on:

• Your zoning

• Your block shape and slope

• Flood & bushfire overlays

• Easements

• What you want to build

That’s why at Plan Haus, we don’t guess.

Need help deciding?

If you’re buying land, designing a home, or planning a duplex, the approval path is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

We offer Pre-Purchase Site Feasibility Reports and full DA & CDC approval services so you know exactly what’s possible before you commit.

👉 If you’d like a price guide or a quick call to discuss your site, contact Plan Haus and we’ll point you in the right direction.