In the realm of property development, prior planning and documentation is king. It’s a crucial part of the process, ensuring towns and suburbs are developed to cater effectively to their residents. This is where local councils and town planners step in, giving the green light to each development to make sure they align with zoning, building standards, and local rules. As a property developer, you’ve got two main paths for planning approval: development approval (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Choosing the right approach from the get-go means you won’t be backtracking and redoing steps.
Understanding DA vs. CDC: What’s the Difference?
Both a Development Approval and a Complying Development Certificate are essential approaches to green-light your development on a particular piece of land. Knowing which one to go for – DA or CDC – can save you a whole lot of time, money, and hassle. A CDC can be the quicker option with fewer hoops to jump through, but it’s only applicable in specific situations.
The Lowdown on Development Approval (DA)
A Development Approval is your official ticket to kickstart a property project. To get approval, you’ll need to submit detailed paperwork covering everything from the project’s location and size to its design, material choices, and timeline. This approval might involve various consents from local authorities, depending on the project’s nature. Working with ApproveAll can help you fast track the upfront requirements and processes needed to getting to submission sooner. You might need planning consent, building consent, even land division consent – all with their specific requirements and regulations.
Breaking Down the Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
A Complying Development Certificate, on the other hand, streamlines the process by combining building and planning approvals into one certificate. It’s a popular choice for its efficiency, cutting through the red tape by sidestepping neighbour and council approvals. To get this certificate, your project needs to be in line with state and territory codes, Local Environment Plans, the Building Code of Australia, and the State Environment Planning Policy. You’ll need to present your engineering drawings, floor plans, and site plans to a certifier.
*However, it’s worth noting that CDCs are typically reserved for smaller-scale projects. Those eligible for a CDC can expect approval in about six to eight weeks.
Our Opinion: Council Approval
In our extensive experience, we’ve found that taking the council approval path often leads to happier endings. Why? Well, for starters, when you go through the council, you get a bit of wiggle room to tweak things here and there. With a CDC, it’s like walking a tightrope – no veering off course. Sure, the council way might have a reputation for being slower, but that’s where we come in. With ApproveAll by your side, equipped with the right strategies and know-how, the whole process can be streamlined.
Free Expert Consults
At ApproveAll we’re all geared up to offer you a 30-minute free consultation. Book a slot, and we’ll dive into your project, explore your property, and brainstorm to achieve your goals.
