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A Development Application (DA) is a formal application submitted to your local council for approval of a proposed development. It is the standard pathway for most new builds, major renovations, subdivisions, and changes of use. The DA is assessed by council planners against the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP), and typically involves a public notification period. Because each DA is evaluated on its individual merits, this pathway offers greater design flexibility - particularly useful for projects that sit outside standard development standards or involve more complex design requirements.
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a fast-track approval pathway for developments that fully comply with a set of pre-determined planning standards under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. Unlike a DA, a CDC does not require council assessment - it is assessed and issued by an accredited private certifier. For eligible projects, a CDC can be approved in as little as 10 business days, making it a highly attractive option for straightforward residential builds, secondary dwellings, and commercial fit-outs that meet the relevant codes.
At Compass Developments, we manage the entire approval process on your behalf - whether your project requires a DA or a CDC. Our experienced team assesses your site, zoning, and project brief to determine the most efficient approval pathway and then prepares and lodges all required documentation. We liaise directly with councils, certifiers, and consultants so you don't have to, keeping your project on track from the very first step. If you're ready to get started, contact our team for a free project consultation.
