A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) combines the functions of both development consent and a construction certificate. It is a form of approval appropriate for many types of minor or routine development, which have a minor impact but have not been specifically declared as exepmt development under the Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance (GPSO),  or State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. Complying development is certified under a separate process to development consent and a construction certificate and a development application is not required.

These approvals are limited to certain locations and must be carried out in accordance with pre-determined standards and conditions.

You will still need to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) to monitor the works during construction.

Council or a Private  Accredited Certifier can grant a Complying Development Certificate (and act for you in this regard). The certifier that you select is referred to as the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA).

The information that you will need to submit includes the following:

• explanation of the work proposed;
• plans detailing the work proposed (including a site plan, elevations, floor plans, parking arrangements, loading facilities, ground levels to be modified and drainage information);
• specifications for the work proposed;
• demolition plan (where necessary);
• existing and proposed fire safety measures (for the change of use of a commercial building);

A Complying Development Certificate can only be issued if:

• the proposed development fully complies with the specific requirements and criteria for Complying Development
• the proposal complies with the BCA and the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979

If the specified criteria in the Complying Development Codes or the GPSO cannot be satisfied, then a Development Application must be submitted to Council, and a Construction Certificate must also be obtained, before commencing any work.