Development and Assessment

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

The development type list has been enhanced to better reflect legislative requirements and to support the new Housing Productivity Contributions.

The BASIX standards cover water, energy use and thermal performance and apply to all new residential developments, as well as renovations more than $50,000.

Find information about State Development Applications such as SSD and SSI projects.

The department coordinates a whole-of-government assessment of the impacts of the State significant projects in accordance with Government legislation, policies and guidelines. 

Contributions for local infrastructure are charged by councils when new development occurs.  This section goes through contributions policy, including legislation, ministerial directions and practice notes.

Applications for activities or works may need additional approvals under the Roads Act 1993 and the Local Government Act 1993. 

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP) specifies types of development which are exempt or complying development.

Post consent certificates can include subdivision certificates, building information certificates, construction certificates and occupation certificates. Discover what is required for each certificate.  

View current Part 5 "development permitted without consent" projects, where environmental impact must be assessed prior to the project commencing. 

There are five Sydney District Planning Panels and four Regional Planning Panels across NSW. Learn how planning panels operate, search the planning panel register and view meeting minutes.

Community participation plays a crucial part of planning outcomes. Community participation plans set the standard on how planning authorities will engage the public in their decision-making,