Navigating Council Approvals
Planning a renovation or new build can be exciting — but dealing with council approvals? Not so much. For many homeowners, it’s one of the most daunting parts of the process. Understanding the rules, submitting paperwork, and waiting on approvals can delay your project if not managed properly.
At Brands Built, we take the guesswork out of navigating local council requirements. With years of experience building and renovating across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore, we know how to move your project forward smoothly — and in full compliance.
Here’s what every homeowner should know when it comes to securing council approvals.
1. Why Council Approval Matters
Before you start construction, your local council must ensure your plans comply with zoning laws, environmental regulations, heritage overlays, bushfire or flood risk controls, and more.
Depending on the size and scope of your project, you’ll need either:
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A Development Application (DA)
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A Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
Each path has different requirements and timeframes, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference to your project timeline.
2. DA vs CDC: What’s the Difference?
Development Application (DA):
A DA is a formal request to council for permission to undertake a development. It’s required when your project doesn’t meet the strict criteria for a CDC. The process can take several weeks and may involve:
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Neighbour notifications
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Heritage assessments
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Environmental or traffic impact studies
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Design reviews by planning officers
Complying Development Certificate (CDC):
A CDC is a fast-tracked approval for straightforward projects that meet the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) standards. These applications are assessed by private certifiers rather than council, often with quicker turnaround times.
At Brands Built, we always explore the CDC route first to save time, provided your project qualifies. If a DA is needed, we manage the process on your behalf to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. What You’ll Need to Submit
Whether you’re applying for a DA or CDC, your submission must typically include:
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Site plans and floorplans
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Elevations and sections
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A Statement of Environmental Effects
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Engineering or structural reports (if applicable)
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BASIX certificate (for energy and water efficiency)
For DAs, you may also need landscape plans, a survey, and shadow diagrams depending on your local council’s requirements.
This can sound overwhelming — but don’t worry. Brands Built partners with experienced designers, consultants and certifiers to prepare everything you need accurately and efficiently.
4. Common Triggers for Council Approval
You’re likely to need council approval if your project involves:
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Increasing the building footprint
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Altering the external appearance of your home
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Working in a heritage conservation area
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Excavating or building close to boundaries
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Adding a second storey or granny flat
Even small renovations may require approval depending on where you live — that’s why early planning is critical.
5. How Brands Built Simplifies the Process
Council approvals can be a bureaucratic minefield, but we’ve built our reputation on navigating it with ease. Here’s how we help:
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Initial feasibility checks to determine approval pathways
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Collaboration with town planners and private certifiers
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