Complying Development

What is Complying Development?

Complying development is a fast track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. Providing the application meets specific criteria then it can be determined by a Council or accredited certifier without the need for a full development application. 

Examples of complying development include: 

  • renovations to a home,
  • development of a granny flat,
  • building a swimming pool,
  • property extensions (up to two storeys),
  • building a garage or carport,
  • the construction of a new industrial building,
  • alterations and additions to industrial and commercial buildings, and
  • the demolition of a building.

To find out if your building project or renovation is complying development visit the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

If your renovation or build is complying development or requires a development application through Council you need to apply for a BASIX certificate. Read more about BASIX certificates.

For further information on complying development visit the NSW Planning Portal and view the self guide home planner resource.

Relevant Legislation

The majority of exempt and complying development types and their development standards are found in the State Policy for Exempt and Complying Development. You can view the policy on the NSW Legislation website.

  • State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.
  • Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

Resources

Application Form(PDF, 890KB)

Appointment of Principal Certifying Authority Form(PDF, 233KB)

Request a meeting/inspection with a member of Planning and Environment team

Request a quote for fees and charges

Back to top