Complying Development Certificates (CDC) Sydney & NSW
Metropolitan Building Approvals provides Complying Development Certificate assessment and certification for residential, commercial and industrial development across Sydney and NSW. Based in Parramatta, our registered building certifiers assess projects against the applicable NSW planning controls, NCC requirements and relevant development standards.
What is a Complying Development Certificate?
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval pathway for development that meets specific NSW planning and building requirements.
Complying development is intended for eligible residential, commercial and industrial projects that can be assessed against predetermined development standards without going through the full Development Application (DA) process.
A CDC may be issued by a registered certifier or local council where the proposed development satisfies all applicable requirements. If the proposal does not meet the relevant complying development standards, another approval pathway may be required.
Not sure whether your project qualifies for a CDC?
Send us your plans and project details and our team can review the proposed development and advise on the appropriate certification pathway.
Discuss Your ProjectWhat is the difference between a CDC and a DA?
Both pathways can provide approval for development, but they are assessed differently. The appropriate pathway depends on the type of development, the site and whether the proposal satisfies the applicable planning controls.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
A CDC combines planning and construction approval into one assessment pathway for development that satisfies prescribed complying development standards.
It can be assessed by a registered certifier or local council.
A CDC is generally suited to eligible development that can demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements without a merit-based Development Application assessment.
Development Application (DA)
A Development Application is generally lodged with and assessed by the relevant consent authority, commonly the local council.
The DA process is used where development requires a merit assessment against the applicable planning controls or does not qualify for the complying development pathway.
Following development consent, building work may also require a Construction Certificate before work commences.
The fastest pathway is not always the correct pathway. Our team can review your project information and help identify the appropriate approval and certification process.
What types of projects may qualify for a CDC?
Complying development can apply to a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial projects. Eligibility depends on the site, zoning, proposed works and whether all relevant development standards can be satisfied.
New Homes
Eligible one and two-storey dwelling houses and other qualifying residential development.
Alterations & Additions
Extensions, renovations, attached structures and certain changes to existing buildings.
Secondary Dwellings
Granny flats and other eligible secondary dwelling projects.
Pools & Ancillary Structures
Swimming pools, garages, sheds and other qualifying residential structures.
Commercial & Industrial
Eligible business premises, commercial fitouts, changes of use, industrial buildings and associated works.
Other Complying Development
Certain demolition works, strata subdivision, fire-safety works and other development permitted under the applicable planning controls.
CDC eligibility is site and project specific. Some land and development types are excluded from complying development, and additional requirements may apply depending on the proposal. Metropolitan Building Approvals can review your project documentation and advise whether the complying development pathway is available.
Check Your CDC EligibilityWhat documents are required for a CDC?
The exact documentation required depends on the site and proposed development. Providing complete and coordinated information at the outset can help avoid unnecessary delays during assessment.
Common documents
- Certificate of title and relevant property information
- Site plan and architectural drawings
- Floor plans, elevations and sections
- Building specifications
- Structural plans and engineering details, where applicable
- Survey information, where required
Additional information may include
- Stormwater or drainage details
- BASIX documentation, where applicable
- Bushfire, flood or other site-specific reports
- Fire-safety information
- Access or NCC/BCA compliance documentation
- Design declarations or regulated designs where required for regulated buildings
- Other specialist reports relevant to the development
Every project is different. Metropolitan Building Approvals will confirm the documentation required after reviewing the site, proposed works and applicable planning and building code requirements.
Already have plans prepared?
Send them to our team and we can review the project and identify any additional information needed for the CDC assessment.
Send Us Your PlansHow does the CDC approval process work?
Our process is designed to identify issues early, keep communication clear and progress the assessment efficiently once the required information has been provided.
Initial Project Review
Send us your plans and project information. We review the proposed development, site and available documentation to determine the likely certification pathway and identify any obvious issues.
Documentation & Eligibility Assessment
We assess the proposal against the applicable complying development standards, planning controls and relevant building requirements, and confirm any additional information needed.
Detailed Certification Assessment
Once the required documentation is available, our certifier carries out the formal assessment and raises any requests for further information or amendments where necessary.
Determination
Where the proposal satisfies the applicable requirements, the Complying Development Certificate can be issued. If the proposal cannot satisfy the complying development pathway, we will explain the issue and discuss the available next steps.
Construction & Certification
Where Metropolitan Building Approvals is appointed as the Principal Certifier, our team can also manage required inspections and certification through the construction process toward the Occupation Certificate stage.
Ready to get started?
Send us your project plans and details and our team can begin the initial review.
Start Your CDC AssessmentCDC approvals for commercial and industrial projects
Metropolitan Building Approvals assesses eligible commercial and industrial projects for complying development across Sydney and NSW. The CDC pathway may be available for certain alterations, additions, changes of use, fitouts and new business or industrial buildings where the applicable planning and building requirements can be satisfied.
Commercial Fitouts & Alterations
Internal alterations, fitouts and other qualifying works to shops, offices and business premises.
Changes of Use
Certain changes to the approved use of commercial or industrial premises where the proposal satisfies the applicable complying development requirements.
Industrial Buildings & Additions
Eligible new industrial buildings, extensions and additions to existing premises.
Building & Fire Safety Works
Qualifying building upgrades, fire-safety works and associated compliance measures forming part of an eligible complying development proposal.
Commercial and industrial CDC eligibility depends on matters including the land use, zoning, building classification, proposed works and applicable development standards. Our team can review the proposal and supporting documentation before formal assessment.
Planning a commercial or industrial project?
Send us your plans, existing approvals and proposed scope of works and we can review the likely certification pathway.
Discuss a Commercial CDCCDC approvals for battery energy storage, solar and EV infrastructure
Metropolitan Building Approvals provides certification services for eligible battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar/PV installations and EV charging infrastructure across Sydney and NSW. Depending on the site and proposal, these projects may qualify for complying development where the applicable planning, building and safety requirements are satisfied.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Certification assessment for eligible residential, commercial and industrial battery storage installations, including associated structural, fire-safety and siting considerations where relevant.
Solar & PV Installations
Assessment of eligible solar infrastructure and associated works where approval is required under the applicable planning framework.
EV Charging Infrastructure
Certification pathways for eligible EV charging installations and associated electrical or building works where complying development is available.
Some battery, solar and EV projects may be exempt development, while others may require a CDC or another approval pathway. The correct pathway depends on the location, scale, building type, installation method and applicable planning controls.
Not sure whether your battery or energy project needs a CDC?
Send us the site details, proposed equipment and installation information and our team can review the likely approval pathway.
Discuss a Battery or Energy CDCFrequently asked questions about Complying Development Certificates
Still have a question about your project?
Send us your plans or project details and our team can help identify the appropriate approval and certification pathway.
Speak With Our Certification TeamRelated Certification Services
Construction Certificates (CC)
Assessment of construction documentation against the NCC before works commence.
Construction Certificates (CC)Principal Certifier Services
Appointed certifier for critical-stage inspections through construction.
Principal Certifier ServicesOccupation Certificates (OC)
Final and Part Occupation Certificates with clear handover documentation.
Occupation Certificates (OC)BCA / NCC Compliance
Pre-DA reports, upgrade strategies and pragmatic code-based advice.
BCA / NCC Compliance