DA vs CDC Explained
When planning to build or renovate, you’ll usually need approval before work can start. In NSW, there are two main approval pathways:
Development Application (DA) – lodged with your local council.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC) – issued by a private certifier (or sometimes council).
Both approvals allow you to build legally, but they work very differently.
What is a DA?
A Development Application (DA) is a formal request to your local council. Council assesses your plans against planning controls, community impact, and environmental effects.
Key features:
Slower process (can take months).
More detailed documents required.
Neighbours may be notified and can object.
Flexible – you can apply for variations to planning rules.
What is a CDC?
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a fast-track approval pathway. If your project meets strict rules under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), a private certifier can approve it without going through council’s full DA process.
Key features:
Faster (often within weeks).
Cheaper than a DA.
No public notification or neighbour objections.
Strict rules – if your design doesn’t fit the code, you can’t use a CDC.
Cost Difference
One of the biggest differences between a DA and CDC is cost.
Development Application (DA)
Lodgement fees to council (based on development cost).
Professional reports (architect, planner, engineer, surveyor, etc.).
Section 7.11 contributions (developer levies).
Public notification and possible extra studies (heritage, flood, noise).
Overall: Can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
Certifier’s assessment fee.
Core documents (plans, BASIX, survey, engineering).
Usually fewer specialist reports.
Overall: Typically much cheaper than a DA.
Example: Dual Occupancy Project
DA Pathway – You may spend $40,000–$60,000+ on reports, council fees, and contributions before approval.
CDC Pathway – More like $15,000–$25,000, with faster approval and no public exhibition.
(Note: Costs vary by council and project complexity — but the gap is always significant.)
Which One Do You Need?
Choose DA if your project doesn’t strictly comply with planning rules, is in a sensitive area (heritage, flood, bushfire), or you expect neighbour concerns.
Choose CDC if your design fits the code exactly and you want a faster, cheaper approval.
Why It Matters
Getting the right approval pathway at the start saves time, money, and stress. Many dual occupancy and new home projects can go through CDC — but if not, you’ll need to lodge a DA.