A development application is a request for permission to carry out proposed development. Councils Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance identifies whether a DA is required and categorises the development as requiring consent, not requiring consent or prohibited development. Zoning of the site determines which category a development proposal fits within.

A development application is required for the following reasons:

• Construction of new building or structure, including swimming pools, outbuildings, retaining wall, jetties, etc
• Add or alter an existing building or structure
• Demolish a building or structure
• Display an advertising sign
• Change the use of an existing building or land
• Carry out excavation, earthworks or adding fill
• Development on or near a heritage listed item
• Development within a heritage conservation area
• Subdivide land or strata subdivide a building

The development application form and other information that must be included provide Council with information required to process the application. The application form indicates the type of application type being applied for, a description of the site and proposed development and the owners consent. Carefully completing the application form and attaching copies of plans and other relevant information (refer to the development guidelines) will help ensure that the lodgement proceeds smoothly and will reduce the need for Council to request additional information.

A development application must consist of at least:

• Completed application form and fees.
• Copies of Site Plans indicating location of the proposed development on the land.
• Copies of Plan/Drawings of the proposed development indicating elevations heights.
• Other supporting documents (if required)

What are the different types of development applications?

The zoning of the land determines which category (does not require consent, requires consent or prohibited) applies to the development.  Details can be found in Councils Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance

Exempt development - Is minor development not requiring prior Council approval and complying with prescribed requirements.  Please refer to the exempt development details.

Any development and/or works being done as "Exempt Development" that may involve the disturbance and/or removal of asbestos materials is to be done in accordance with the provisions of Workcover guidelines and to Australian Standard AS 2601 - 2001, Demolition of structures.

Complying development - is an application that meet set standards listed the Councils Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance, for example, a carport could be classed as complying development if nominated standards on size, material, setback and the like are satisfied and the building is designed in accordance to the Building Codes of Australia (BCA). Complying developments can be wholly assessed by Council or a private professional called an accredited certifier.

Compying development does not apply to developments on land which is flood liable, subject to a high bushfire hazard or subject to acid sulphate soils (Refer to clause 45CE of the Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance ). A 149 certificate can be purchased to determine what development controls affect an individual property.

Local development - refers to development that requires a development application (requires consent).  Most types of development is categorized as local development.  Details can be found in Councils Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance 

Integrated development - is development that, as well as requiring a development consent, also requires approval from other agencies, for example, a proposed development will be integrated if the proposal is:

• within 40 meters of a stream, river, lake or lagoon
• located in a high bushfire zone
• located on or connects to Crown land
• is within a Mine Subsidence District
• located on or near an undisturbed site, dune system or ridgeline

Additional fees apply for Integrated development applications.

Designated development - Local and State significant developments can also be designated development when the proposed development is listed in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation. The list contains large scale, potentially hazardous, noxious and offensive uses such as chemical works, coal mines and waste management facilities.

State significant development - can be declared in a State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP), Regional Environmental Plans (REP) or in the NSW Government Gazette. In addition the minister has the power to call in specific DAs, including development prohibited by Council.