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. 

Complying development provides for a faster approval process as you will not require Council consent through the development assessment process. However, you must obtain a Complying Development Certificate (PDF file, 165k) from Council or an Accredited Certifier before you start any work.

The Complying Development Certificate certifies that your proposed development meets all the requirements and development standards to be considered as complying development; it also confirms that the development complies with any accompanying legislation, such as requirements under the Building Code of Australia or the Swimming Pools Act 1992.

Both the State Government and Council have policies that identify what development is complying development. These are set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (State Codes) and Council’s Development Control Plan for Exempt and Complying Development 2000 (PDF file, 525k) (Council’s DCP)

For more information see complying development under the SEPP and complying development under Council's DCP. 

Complying Development Certificate Application

See complying development application form (PDF File) and payment methods (PDF File).

Common types of complying development

See complying development checklists for single storey detached dwelling houses (PDF File), strata title subdivision (PDF File), swimming pools and spas (PDF File), and temporary buildings (PDF File).