- About building and development in Woollahra
- Development rules (LEP, DCPs etc.)
- Objections and comments
- Major Development Applications (DAs)
- Submit a DA
- How are Development Applications assessed
- Once your development is approved (building certification)
- Fire safety
- Building and development forms
Download the DCP
- Determine whether what you want to do is exempt or complying by reading our Exempt and Complying DCP (PDF)
Related links
Exempt and complying development
Do I need Council approval for development?
Minor and small scale development often does not require Council approval (consent). This type of development is identified as "exempt development" or "complying development".
Exempt development is characterised as minor development that has minimal environmental impact on neighbourhood amenity. Types of exempt development includes aerials, barbeques, gazebos and minor building alterations.
Exempt development does not require Council consent provided all the development standards prescribed for the exempt development type are met.
Development may be either
- Exempt development under the State Codes SEPP, or
- Exempt development under Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP).
Complying development
Complying development is development that has a greater impact than the exempt development types, but is still considered to have minor environmental impact on neighbourhood amenity which can be addressed by predetermined development standards.
Types of complying development include internal alterations to a house and constructing a below ground swimming pool.
Complying development provides for a faster approval process as it does not require Council consent. However, a Complying Development Certificate (PDF file, 165k) from Council or an Accredited Certifier before work is commenced.
Development may be either
- Complying development under the State Codes SEPP, or
- Complying development under Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP)
Same development under the State Codes SEPP and Council’s DCP
Some types of development are addressed in both Council’s DCP and the State Codes SEPP. This is referred to as the ‘same development’ under clause 1.10 of the State Codes SEPP. Find out if Council’s DCP or the State Codes SEPP applies.
Common types of minor development
Information on- dividing fences
- satellite dishes
- photovoltaic systems or solar hot water systems
- minor building alterations (internal)
- change of use of premises
- home business, home industry or home occupations.