From development applications through to complying development certificates and integrated developments. The size and scale of the development will determine which of the assessment pathways is appropriate.
Development Assessment and Consent
Understand the different planning approval pathways in NSW.
Local Development
Any type of development which requires development consent under a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) or State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
Exempt Development
A number of minor types of low impact works or renovations may be exempt development. Where the project meets the relevant standards, a development approval is not needed.
Complying Development
Complying development is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. If the application meets specific criteria, it can be determined by an accredited certifying organisation.
Integrated Development
Certain development requires a permit or license from one or more NSW Government agency in addition to a development consent. These developments are integrated development.
Regional Development
Regional development are high value and complex applications, considered to be of regional significance. The assessment is completed by the local council and then determined by the relevant Planning Panel – either a Sydney Planning panel for applications within the Greater Sydney Region or the relevant Regional Planning Panel for the remainder of NSW.
Development without consent
Not all development requires consent before work can start. Some low-impact or routine activities such as home occupations in certain rural and residential zones, environmental protection works in certain environmental zones, or some temporary uses of land can be carried out without consent.
State Significant Development
Some types of developments are deemed to have State Significance due to the size, economic value or potential impacts that a development may have.
State Significant Infrastructure
State significant infrastructure (SSI) includes major transport and services development that have a wider significance and impact than on just the local area.
Application Tracking
You can now search for applications that have been lodged via the NSW Planning Portal using our new Application Tracking service.