Submitting a Development Application (DA) in New South Wales (NSW) involves several fees, primarily determined by the estimated cost of your proposed development.
Understanding these costs and any additional fees is important for effective budgeting and planning.
1. Development Application (DA) Fees
The primary fee for lodging a DA is calculated based on the estimated cost of the development.
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 outlines the fee structure, which generally follows a sliding scale:
- For developments up to $5,000: approximately $110.
- For developments between $5,001 and $250,000: $170 plus an additional $3.00 for every $1,000 over $5,000.
- For developments between $250,001 and $500,000: $1,165 plus an additional $3.64 for every $1,000 over $250,000.
- For developments between $500,001 and $1,000,000: $2,075 plus an additional $2.34 for every $1,000 over $500,000.
- For developments over $1,000,000: $3,245 plus an additional $1.64 for every $1,000 over $1,000,000.
These figures are indicative; actual fees may vary slightly depending on the specific council and any updates to the regulations.
For precise calculations, refer to the NSW Planning Portal’s Service Fees page, or speak with your local council.
2. Additional Fees to Consider
Beyond the base DA fee, several additional charges may apply:
- Planning Reform Fee: For building works or subdivisions with an estimated value over $50,000, a Planning Reform Fee is payable to the NSW Government. This fee is calculated as a percentage of the estimated development cost and is collected upon DA lodgement.
- Notification and Advertising Fees: If your application requires public notification or advertising, councils may charge fees to cover these costs. The amount varies based on the extent of notification required.
- Long Service Levy: For construction projects valued at $250,000 or more, a Long Service Levy is payable. This levy supports the Long Service Corporation and is typically 0.35% of the total cost of the work.
- Specialist Reports: Depending on the nature of your development, you may need to commission reports (e.g., environmental impact assessments, traffic studies, acoustic reports, bushfire reports etc) to support your application. The costs for these reports vary based on the scope and complexity of the work required.
- Contributions and Levies: Some developments may be subject to contributions under Section 7.11 (formerly Section 94) or Section 7.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. These contributions fund local infrastructure and services and are calculated based on the development’s impact.
3. Council-Specific Fees
Individual councils may impose additional fees for services such as site inspections, pre-lodgement meetings or plan amendments.
It’s advisable to consult your local council’s fee schedule or contact their planning department for detailed information.
4. Fee Estimation Tools
Several councils provide online fee calculators to help estimate DA fees. For example, the City of Newcastle Council offers a DA Fee Estimate Calculator on its website.
5. Professional Services
Engaging professionals such as architects, town planners or engineers will incur additional costs. While these are not council fees, they are essential for preparing a comprehensive and compliant DA.
A town planner will cost anywhere between $90 per hour up to $300 per hour.
A draftsperson will cost anywhere between $60 per hour up to $200 per hour.
An architect’s cost will vary, depending on experience. They’ll generally cost between $120 per hour up to $400 per hour.
The cost of submitting a DA in NSW encompasses the base application fee and several potential additional charges.
Early consultation with your local council and relevant professionals can provide clarity on the fees applicable to your specific project, aiding in accurate budgeting and a smoother application process.
ApproveAll Town Planning comprises town planners, drafters and architects, and provide free cost proposals for your project which clearly itemise works to be done and potential additional external costs to consider.
Contact us at projects@approveall.com.au or give us a call on (02) 8000 9150
