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 exempt development under the provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009, State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007. visit housingcode.planning.nsw.gov.au or www.legislation.nsw.gov.au for more information. 

Complying development is certified under a separate process to a development consent and construction certificate.  Cmplying development 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 outlined in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009, State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.
• the proposal complies with the BCA and the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979If 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.

Need more information

The Building Professionals Board have information to inform consumers about thier rights and responsibilities when building or subdividing land as well as the important role of the certifying authority.

Visit the Building Professionals Board website at http://www.bpb.nsw.gov.au to obtain information.

A number of guides, information sheets, forms and other information to keep certifiers, consumers and the development industry up to date.  Visit http://www.bpb.nsw.gov.au/page/publications---forms