When Can CDC Approval Be Used?

CDC Approval can be used for a wide range of development types, including:

• New homes and granny flats

• Dual occupancies

• Alterations and additions to existing dwellings

• Swimming pools and decks

• Garages, carports, and sheds

• Demolition

• Commercial fit-outs

• Change of use for commercial premises

• Light industrial developments

To be eligible, the project must:

• Be located in a residential, commercial, or industrial zone that allows for CDC.

• Meet all planning controls, including setbacks, height, floor space ratio, and landscaping requirements etc.

• Meet all relevant National Construction Codes.

• Comply with heritage, bushfire, flood, and environmental constraints.

If your site or proposal doesn't meet these strict standards, a DA through your local council may be required instead.

Benefits of Using CDC Approval

Choosing CDC Approval over the traditional DA process offers numerous advantages:

• Fast approval – Typically within 10 – 20 business days

Once the application is submitted with all required documentation, a Private Certifier can issue approval in as little as 10 to 20 business days. In contrast, the DA process can take 6 weeks to several months, depending on your local council’s workload, internal referrals, public feedback periods, and committee assessments. This delay can cost you thousands in holding costs, lost time, and project disruption. By choosing CDC, you’re fast-tracking your project’s start date and dramatically improving overall timeline certainty.

• Simplified process 

CDC is governed by a clear set of criteria under the NSW State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs). If your design complies with these predetermined rules, approval is largely automatic. There’s no subjective interpretation, no planning panel meetings, and no need to justify design intent. It's a straightforward compliance check, not a discretionary assessment. This results in a cleaner, more predictable process that allows you to move from concept to construction with far fewer hurdles.

• Reduced paperwork

The paperwork required for a CDC is significantly less than a full DA submission. You won’t need to prepare lengthy Statements of Environmental Effects. There are fewer consultant reports, and documentation requirements are streamlined for efficiency. As part of our service, we coordinate all necessary reports — such as BASIX, drainage plans, and compliance checklists — ensuring your CDC application is complete, compliant, and ready for fast submission. Less paperwork doesn’t mean less due diligence — it means less red tape.

• Lower application costs

Submitting a DA through your local council often involves multiple fees, including:

o Lodgement and assessment fees

o Public notification fees

o Referral fees to internal departments (e.g., traffic, heritage)

o Extended consultant costs due to longer timelines and council feedback

By comparison, CDC approval through a Private Certifier involves fewer fees and less third-party involvement, making it a more cost-effective pathway—particularly for smaller residential projects or fit-outs.

Clients regularly save thousands of dollars by avoiding the drawn-out DA process.

• Less risk of delays due to objections or subjective council assessments

The DA process invites public submissions, allowing neighbours or community groups to object — often based on personal preference, not planning merit. These objections can trigger delays, redesigns, or even refusals. CDC does not involve subjective input. If your proposal meets the code, it’s approved. There’s no ambiguity, no politics, and no personal opinions involved. This makes CDC a far more reliable and objective approval pathway, reducing the risk of unexpected roadblocks.

• Streamlined construction commencement – You can begin as soon as the CDC is approved

Once your CDC is issued, you can begin building immediately after the mandatory notification period — without waiting for further council involvement. With a DA, even after you receive development consent, you're required to prepare and submit additional documentation for a separate Construction Certificate (CC), often leading to further delays and re-assessments. The CDC process integrates planning and construction approvals, allowing for a seamless transition from design to site works. This is especially valuable for builders, developers, and homeowners working to tight timelines or finance deadlines.

CDC Process: Step-by-Step

1. Initial Site Review

We assess your property’s eligibility for CDC, including zoning, planning controls, and potential restrictions (e.g., flooding, bushfire, heritage).

2. Design Phase

Our design team prepares plans and documentation that align with CDC requirements under the SEPP codes.

3. Consultants & Reports

Where necessary, we liaison external consultants (e.g., engineers, surveyors, bushfire or flood specialists) to provide mandatory reports.

4. Private Certifier Engagement

We assist in engaging a registered Private Certifier, who acts as the approval authority instead of Council.

5. Application Submission

Once all documents are finalised, we coordinate the submission to the Certifier, ensuring full compliance with CDC regulations.

6. Approval

The Certifier reviews the documents and issues your CDC — often within 10–20 days.

How Our Design & Project Management Services Support Your CDC Application

At AC Design Studio, we don't just create beautiful, functional designs — we manage your entire project from concept through to construction approval. Here's how we ensure a smooth CDC process:

• Pre-Assessment for CDC Eligibility

We start with a free CDC feasibility check to determine if your site and project meet the requirements. This saves time and avoids costly redesigns later.

• CDC-Ready Designs

Our experienced team of building designers creates plans specifically tailored to meet CDC compliance under the NSW Housing SEPP and Codes SEPP, minimising approval delays.

• Full Documentation

We coordinate all necessary documentation, including BASIX certificates, stormwater plans, shadow diagrams, and bushfire or flood reports where applicable.

• Private Certifier Coordination

We have strong relationships with accredited Certifiers who trust our documentation standards, helping to fast-track your approval.

• End-to-End Project Management

From initial concept to construction handover, we oversee the entire process to keep your project on time, on budget, and compliant.

Still wondering whether your project is best suited for CDC? Book your complimentary consultation with us today and discover the best approval pathway for your unique project.