Do I need approval?

Generally, if you are proposing to use land, subdivide land, erect a building, carry out a work or undertake a demolition, you will require approval from Council. Use the information in this section of the website to help you determine the approval requirements for your proposal.

1. Exempt Development

Some works can be carried out around your home or work place without applying for Council approval. This is known as "exempt development" and generally includes minor works that have low environmental impact. 

Exempt Development Frequently Asked Questions:

Can exempt development be carried out on my land?

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.

Does my proposal qualify for exempt development?

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.

What if my development does not qualify as exempt development?

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

 

2. Complying Development

Certain types of small scale residential, commercial and industrial development can be carried out as complying development. To qualify for complying development, the proposed works must comply with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and satisfy all of the pre-determined requirements outlined in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, which is also known as the Codes SEPP. 

The six categories of Complying Development:

New houses

 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.

Housing Alterations

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

Bed & Breakfasts

The  includes requirements for bed and breakfast accommodation.

Commercial & Industrial

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.

Subdivisions

The  includes requirements for strata subdivisions of certain buildings.

Demolitions

The  includes requirements for demolitions of various structures.

 

 

If your proposal can be carried out as complying development you will need to lodge a Complying Development Application with an accredited Certifier  - either with Cowra Council or a Private Certifier.

In most cases you will also need to engage a Principal Certifying Authority.

For more information, please see the FAQ section below.

Complying Development Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the advantages of a Complying Development?

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 is an Accredited Certifying Authority?

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.

What is a Principal Certifying Authority?

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.

Can I start construction while my application is in with Council?

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.

 

 

3. Development Approvals

Development that is not exempt or complying development will require the lodgement of a Development Application with Council. Learn more about Development Applications here.

4. Other Approvals

Your proposal may require other approvals if it involves:

  • Works within a public road, nature strip, footway, bridge or public reserve.
  • Land affected by an Interim Heritage Order or land that is identified on the State Heritage Register.
  • Bushfire Prone Land.
  • Land in a national park.
  • Potential pollution generating activities.
  • Plumbing and drainage.
  • Installation or modification of an on-site waste management system.
  • Works affecting an Aboriginal heritage item.
  • Activities requiring a water licence.

If your proposal fits into one of these categories, it is suggested that you contact Council on (02) 6340 2040 to discuss any approval requirements.