CDC application process (NSW residential)
CDC application step-by-step: eligibility check, BASIX, supporting docs, lodge via Planning Portal, certifier assessment in 20 business days. The fast track to start.
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A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is the NSW fast-track approval pathway for residential builds that meet every prescriptive standard in the Codes SEPP Housing Code. Application steps: confirm the lot has no knock-out overlays (heritage, BAL-29+, flood, contamination, ASS), confirm the build meets every Housing Code standard, get a BASIX certificate, assemble supporting documents (architectural plans, structural certificate, soil report, BAL report if applicable), lodge via the NSW Planning Portal with the private certifier, certifier assesses within 20 business days. The CDC pathway typically saves 6-12 weeks and $5,000-$10,000 over the DA path for an eligible build.
Step 1: Eligibility check (do this before anything else)
The eligibility check has two parts: lot status and build status.
Lot status: read the Section 10.7 certificate
The Section 10.7 (formerly Section 149) planning certificate lists every overlay and constraint on the lot. Order it from council or via the Planning Portal ($53-$133 typical 2026). The certificate flags:
- Heritage items or HCAs.
- Bushfire-prone land (Vegetation Buffer Map flag, BAL rating implied).
- Flood-prone land.
- Acid sulfate soils (class 1-5).
- Coastal hazard areas.
- Contaminated land.
- Critical habitat mapped for endangered species.
- Aircraft noise zones.
- Foreshore building line.
- Easements (drainage, services).
Any “knock-out” overlay rules out CDC. Heritage and BAL above the Housing Code threshold are the most common knock-outs.
Build status: walk through the Housing Code standards
The General Housing Code (Codes SEPP) sets prescriptive standards. Confirm every standard:
| Standard | Check |
|---|---|
| Minimum lot size and frontage | Yes / No |
| Maximum building height (typically 8.5 m) | Yes / No |
| Maximum site coverage | Yes / No |
| Floor space ratio | Yes / No |
| Setbacks (front, side, rear) | Yes / No |
| Privacy (window-to-window, balcony screens) | Yes / No |
| Solar access (neighbours) | Yes / No |
| Tree retention | Yes / No |
| Stormwater management | Yes / No |
A single “No” rules out CDC for the build as designed. Either redesign or proceed via the DA path.
Step 2: BASIX certificate
Required for all NSW residential builds (with or without CDC). BASIX certifies the dwelling meets thermal, energy, and water targets.
- Use the NSW Planning Portal BASIX tool.
- Input: building geometry, glazing, insulation, hot water system, fixtures.
- Output: BASIX certificate (PDF, 12-month validity for submission).
- Cost: $50 NSW Government fee + designer time to prepare.
Step 3: Supporting documents
A CDC lodgement requires:
| Document | Source |
|---|---|
| Architectural drawings | Designer (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections) |
| Structural certificate (footings, slab, frame, roof) | Structural engineer |
| BASIX certificate | Designer / online tool |
| Soil report (geotech) | Geotech consultant |
| Site survey (current contour + boundaries) | Surveyor |
| BAL report | Bushfire consultant (if any BAL applies) |
| Stormwater design | Hydraulic engineer (or designer for simple sites) |
| Sediment and erosion control plan | Designer / civil consultant |
| Section 10.7 certificate (current copy) | Council / Planning Portal |
| Owner’s consent | Signed by lot owner |
| Certifier’s appointment form | Signed contract with the private certifier |
Most CDC packs run to 30-80 pages of drawings + reports.
Step 4: Engage a private certifier
NSW residential CDCs are typically processed by private certifiers (formally “Principal Certifiers” under EP&A Act). Council can also be the certifier, but is rare on CDC.
- Get 2-3 certifier quotes ($1,500-$3,500 typical 2026 for CDC + CSIs + OC).
- Confirm the certifier’s experience with the specific build type.
- Sign appointment contract.
The certifier you engage at CDC stage typically stays on for the duration of the build (critical stage inspections, occupation certificate).
Step 5: Lodge via NSW Planning Portal
The NSW Planning Portal (planningportal.nsw.gov.au) is the mandatory lodgement system.
- Create or log in to your Planning Portal account.
- Start a new CDC application.
- Enter property details, applicant details, certifier details.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Pay the lodgement fee (~$200-$400 NSW Government fee).
- Submit.
The certifier receives the lodgement notification and begins assessment.
Step 6: Certifier assessment (20 business days)
NSW EP&A Regulation gives the certifier 20 business days to determine the CDC. The assessment includes:
- Document completeness: every required document present.
- Compliance with Housing Code: every prescriptive standard met.
- Site constraints: no knock-out overlays applying.
- BASIX confirmation: certificate valid and matches the build.
- Structural and engineering signoff: certificates valid.
The certifier can:
- Approve the CDC (issue the certificate).
- Request additional information (which stops the 20-day clock).
- Reject the application (CDC declined; proceed via DA or revise).
Step 7: Certificate issued
The CDC certificate is the approval. It:
- Confirms the development is complying development under the Codes SEPP.
- Lists the specific compliance pathway (which sub-code).
- Lists any conditions.
- Authorises construction.
- Triggers the Section 95 notice to council (the certifier handles).
Construction can begin after the CDC is issued (subject to other prerequisites like land titles being clear, builder’s licence valid, etc.).
CDC vs DA: timing and cost
| Pathway | NSW Government / council fee | Total professional fees (typical) | Determination time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDC | $200-$400 lodgement + certifier $1,500-$3,500 | ~$5,000-$10,000 | 20 business days |
| DA | $1,500-$5,000 lodgement + assessment | ~$10,000-$25,000 | 60-180 days |
| DA via Local Planning Panel | $2,500-$8,000 | ~$15,000-$40,000 | 6-12 months |
The CDC pathway saves $5,000-$30,000 and 6 months on average. For an eligible build, the CDC pathway is the clear default.
Common builder errors
| Error | Cost |
|---|---|
| Don’t check Section 10.7 first | Discover heritage / BAL / flood mid-design; redo |
| Designed slightly over a standard | A 8.8 m height when Housing Code allows 8.5 m: redesign or DA |
| BASIX not commissioned in parallel with structural | Critical-path delay at lodgement |
| Certifier not engaged early enough | 2-3 week delay finding and contracting a certifier |
| Soil report skipped | Certifier requests additional info; 20-day clock resets |
| BAL ignored on bushfire-prone lot | Application rejected; redesign or DA |
| Owner’s consent missing | Application incomplete; rejected at intake |
For builders
- Order the Section 10.7 at lead (before quoting). $133 of certainty about the lot saves the entire design cost on a knock-out overlay.
- Walk every Housing Code standard during design lock-in, not after.
- Engage the certifier early (during design review). Their guidance steers design toward compliance.
- Run BASIX in parallel with structural certification. Don’t wait for one to finish before starting the other.
- Build the CDC pack from a checklist, not from memory. Missing one document costs 2-4 weeks.
- Watch the 20-day clock. If the certifier requests additional info, the clock pauses; respond fast.
References
-
NSW Planning Portal: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au (verified 2026-05-15).
-
NSW Department of Planning, Complying Development: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au (verified 2026-05-15).
-
Codes SEPP 2008: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au (verified 2026-05-15).
Related
See also
Last updated: 2026-05-15. Verified: 2026-05-15.