CDC vs DA: which approval pathway applies to your home?
The approval route depends on the site, proposed use and actual design — not just the advertised size of a home.
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) and a Development Application (DA) are different ways to seek approval in NSW. Which pathway is available depends on the planning controls for the site and proposed building.
What CDC means
Complying development is a fast-track planning and construction approval for proposals that meet all applicable standards. A council or accredited certifier assesses eligibility; the pathway cannot be chosen just because a home is prefabricated.
When a DA may be needed
If a proposal does not meet the requirements for complying development, a council DA may be necessary. Zoning, setbacks, site coverage, environmental constraints and intended use can all affect the decision.
What about the 90, 100 and 120 m² designs?
The published sizes describe the proposed product range, not a planning approval. Secondary dwellings have their own floor-area and site rules. Suitability needs to be checked against the applicable definition of floor area and the particular block. None of these designs is advertised as automatically CDC-eligible.
- Confirm the zoning and proposed use
- Check the relevant floor-area definition against the actual plans
- Review access, setbacks, services and site constraints
- Have the approval pathway assessed before planning a timeline
Wondering what fits your block?
Tell us about your block and preferred design. We're collecting enquiries about the concepts. No quote or build date is offered online.
