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.
Local Development
Local development is the most common type of development in NSW and needs development approval.
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Complying Development
Complying development is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development.
Exempt Development
You do not need planning or construction approval for many minor renovations and low-impact works (exempt development).
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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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Special Areas
Some areas have unique qualities that need special planning and development assessment provisions.
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Commonwealth Telecommunications
Commonwealth telecommunications rules may apply when lodging a development application.
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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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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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Concurrence and referrals
Concurrence is when agreement from a referral authority must be obtained before the council can determine a development application.
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