Do I need approval?

Exempt development can be carried out in most parts of the Shire.

In many cases, a particular development will be only be prevented from being exempt development because it exceeds pre-determined size requirements, and not because of the location of your property.

The requirements for exempt development are included in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation which is also known as the Codes SEPP. If you have difficulty working out whether exempt development can be carried out on your land, please contact Council on (02) 6340 2040 and ask for assistance.

A comprehensive list of development types that can be carried out without approval is included in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. The State Government has prepared a website to assist landowners in determining whether your proposal can be carried out without Council approval.

If your development doesn't qualify as exempt development, you may be able to apply for a Complying Development Certificate. 

 includes requirements for the construction of single and two-storey dwellings and ancillary development including swimming pools, garages and fences. The  includes requirements for the construction of single and two storey dwellings and ancillary development in rural areas.

The  includes requirements for internal and external alterations and additions to existing dwelling houses.

The  includes requirements for bed and breakfast accommodation.

The General Commercial and Industrial Code includes requirements for internal building alterations, change of use proposals, mechanical ventilation systems, shop front and awning alterations to commercial and industrial premises.

The  includes requirements for strata subdivisions of certain buildings.

The  includes requirements for demolitions of various structures.

Less Paperwork – you do not need to lodge a Development Application (DA) or Construction Certificate (CC).

Start Building Quicker – complying developments can be approved in 10 days by the accredited certifier - Council or your chosen Private Certifier. This compares with an average approval time of 40 days for DA’s.

Reduce Costs­ – The application process is cheaper than lodging a DA or CC.

No neighbour notification – The accredited Certifier is not required to notify your neighbours of the development. This removes the risk of a neighbour objecting to your proposal.

Meets BASIX requirements – the requirements for the Complying Development Code also meet the water and energy saving demands on BASIX.

What are certifying authorities?

Certifying authorities are responsible for the approval and inspection of building works. They issue the certificates you need to build including Complying Development Certificates and Construction Certificates. In most cases, the certifying authority is the local council, however you can also choose to engage a Private Certifier to act as the certifying authority. Private Certifiers are essentially private practitioners accredited to act as public officials.

Where can I find further information?

The  contains further information about certifying authorities. Alternatively, you can telephone Council on (02) 6340 2040 and ask to speak to one of Council's Building Surveyors.

In most cases you will need to engage a particular type of certifying authority known as a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). The PCA inspects building works during the course of construction to ensure it meets with regulatory requirements. It is the job of the PCA to assess whether the building work complies with approvals and is suitable and safe for occupation.

The PCA needs to be appointed before building works can commence. To do this, you must fill out an Appointment of PCA form and submit this to Council.

Who can nominate a PCA?

The person having the benefit of a development consent or complying development can appoint a PCA.

A contractor or any other person who will carry out the building work or subdivision work cannot be appointed as a PCA, unless that person is the owner of the land on which the work is to be carried out on.

Who can be a Principal Certifying Authority?

Only an accredited certifier or Council can undertake the functions of a Principal Certifying Authority for your development.

Where can I find further information?

The   contains further information about certifying authorities. Alternatively, you can telephone Council on (02) 6340 2040 and ask to speak to one of Council's Building Surveyors.

No. You must not commence any form of construction until you have received a Complying Development Certificate from Council. It is important that you read the conditions of your development consent carefully to determine whether there are any other approvals required before you can commence construction works.