Preliminary Assessment - Information on preliminary assessment of a development application, zoning and planning controls.

Lodging a Development Application - Information on lodging a development application, building in bushfire prone areas, designated and integrated development applications.

Assessment of a Development Application - Information on assessment of a development application, including notification, reporting and determination.

Determination of a Development Application - Information on determination of a development application, review of determination, modification of development consent and appealing a determination.

Subdivison Process - The subdivision application and approval process, including approval of infrastructure construction.

Development Register

Related Forms - Applications that you may need to lodge in relation to your development.

Development is defined by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as: the use of land; the subdivision of land; the erection of a building; the carrying out of a work; the demolition of a building or work; and any other act, matter or thing referred to in section 26 that is controlled by an environmental planning instrument.

Most types of building, subdivision and demolition work require a Development Application to be submitted for Council approval, unless it meets the criteria for exempt or complying development.

The basic stages of a development application include:

A Planning or Building Officer should be contacted for more detailed advice on the preparation and assessment of a Development Application. Officers are generally available between 8.30am and 10.00am weekdays or by appointment. To make an appointment, contact the Customer Service Centre on (02) 6591 7222.

Is your proposal classified as Exempt or Complying Development?

Under the State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP) some works can be undertaken as Exempt or Complying Development (ie a development application is not required) in certain locations. If you are considering undertaking new residential, commercial or industrial developments you need to refer to the details contained in the NSW Housing Code and the NSW Commercial & Industrial Code to determine if your proposal complies with the SEPP criteria.

Exempt development may include:

• dwelling repairs;
• minor internal alterations;
• minor outdoor structures such as sheds/playground equipment;
• fences;
• home-based businesses.

Complying development is development that has minimal environmental impact and allows structures and/or uses to occur on land once Council or a private certifier has issued a complying development certificate. A complying development certificate can only be issued if a development satisfies specific development standards, as appearing in the SEPP.  Examples of complying development may include:

• new dwelling construction;
• dwelling alterations;
• garage/carport structures, swimming pools;
• industrial/commercial change of use.