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Development and Assessment

Planning Approval Pathways

Find out more about all the planning approval pathways in NSW.

Find information on planning approval pathways in NSW, from development applications through to complying development certificates and integrated developments. 

Planning Approval Pathways

Local Development

Local development is the most common type of development in NSW and needs development approval.

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Planning Approval Pathways

Complying Development

Complying development is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development.

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Planning Approval Pathways

Exempt Development

You do not need planning or construction approval for many minor renovations and low-impact works (exempt development).

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Planning Approval Pathways

Development without consent

Not all development requires consent before work can start. This includes some low-impact or routine activities such as home businesses or markets in a public recreation zone.

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Planning Approval Pathways

Special Areas

Some areas have unique qualities that need special planning and development assessment provisions.

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Planning Approval Pathways

Commonwealth Telecommunications

Commonwealth telecommunications rules may apply when lodging a development application.

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Planning Approval Pathways

Regionally Significant Development

Regionally significant development needs to be notified and assessed by a council and then determined by the relevant Planning Panel.

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Planning Approval Pathways

State Significant Development

Development of a large scale, economic value or that carries potential social or environmental impacts can be deemed to have State significance.

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