Complying Development Certificates
Complying Development is a fast-track approval process for small scale, low-impact residential development.
To be considered a complying development, the proposed development must STRICTLY comply with all the specific pre-determined development standards and specific land requirements set under State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).
Further information regarding complying development can be found on the NSW Department of Planning website.
Pre-determined Development Standards
The specific pre-determined development standards for new dwelling-houses, alterations and additions to dwelling-houses, attached developments and detached developments in residential zones are outlined in Part 3 Housing Code, which can be found here: State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation
The specific pre-determined development standards for new dwelling-houses, alterations and additions to dwelling-houses, attached developments and detached developments in rural zones are outlined in Part 3A Rural Housing Code, which can be found here: State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation
The specific pre-determined development standards for minor internal and external alterations to existing dwelling houses in residential zones are outlined in Part 4A Housing Alterations Code, which can be found here: State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation
The specific pre-determined development standards for the demolition of dwelling houses, secondary dwellings, swimming pools and detached development are outlined in Part 7 Demolition Code, which can be found here: State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation
The specific pre-determined development standards for new and in-fill secondary dwellings can be found here: State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 - NSW Legislation.
Please Note: It is the owner/applicant’s responsibility to ensure the proposed development complies with all the development standards, land requirements and the Building Code of Australia. Failure to comply with the land requirements or one or more development standards may result in the application being refused. Should you require assistance with the preparation and lodgement of a Complying Development application, it is recommended to engage the services of a private planning consultant.
All Complying Development Certificate applications must be lodged with Council electronically via the NSW Planning Portal.
Documents and plans to be supplied with your Complying Development Certificate application
- Fee quotation (contact Hornsby Certifiers to obtain a quote)
- Long Service Levy Payment (if cost of works $250,000 or greater)
- Owners consent form
- Applying for a Principal Certifier Appointment Application on the NSW Planning Portal. Instructions on the process can be found here: Submit an Application to Appoint a Principal Certifier(PDF, 362KB)
- Apply to enter into a contract with Hornsby Shire Council (Hornsby Certifiers) to provide Certification work
- Architectural Plans drawn to scale including a site plan, floor plans, sections and elevations of the proposed development/demolition that strictly comply with the development standards of the relevant State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP)
- Engineering details designed and endorsed by a qualified and practising structural engineer
- Stormwater plans detailing the proposed methods of collecting and disposing of stormwater from existing and proposed buildings/structures
- Sediment and erosion control plans detailing the proposed method of controls to be implemented on the property (if required)
- Waste Management Plan detailing the quantity of waste that will be generated by the proposed development/demolition and the method of disposal
- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Certificate (if property is bushfire prone)
- BASIX Certificate (if cost of works $50,000 or greater or if swimming pool greater than 40,000L)
- Sydney Water Approval (if required)
- Building Specifications detailing the proposed materials and finishes (if required)
- Owner Builder Permit or Home Building Compensation Cover (formerly Home Warranty Insurance) (if cost of works $10,000 or greater)
- Payment of Section 7.11 /7.12 Development Contributions (formerly Section 94/94A) (if required)
Further documents and plans in addition to the above checklist may also be required to be provided.
Apply for a Complying Development Certificate
Please contact Hornsby Certifiers via email: hornsbycertifiers@hornsby.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9847 6787 for further enquiries. Alternatively, you can visit the NSW Planning Portal for further information.
