The complying development building approval process
The complying development process can be confusing at times. Here is a breakdown of the building approval process from start to finish.
1. Check whether complying development is possible
Check if your proposed development meets the criteria for complying development. These criteria include factors such as zoning restrictions, property size, setback requirements, and development standards.
2. Prepare documentation
Gather all necessary documentation, including plans, specifications, and other relevant information about your proposed development.
3. Engage a certifier
Engage a private certifier to assess your development proposal
Fill in and sign the complying development application form!
Darook will send the complying development application form with the quote.
4. Submit the complying development application
Lodge your complying development application to the certifier, along with all necessary documentation, plans and certificates
A planning portal submission is required at this point!
Need help? Here is a planning portal guide for you →
5. Neighbour notification
In most cases, neighbouring properties will need to be notified about the proposed development. The certifier must wait 14 days after the neighbour notification before the complying development certificate can be approved.
6. Complying development assessment
The certifier will review your application and assess it against the predetermined standards and criteria for complying development. The assessment will verify if your proposal meets the relevant building codes, environmental regulations, and planning guideline
7. Complying development approval
If your application meets all the requirements, the certifier will issue a complying development certificate
8. Builders insurance or owner builder permit
Gather the necessary builder's insurance documentation or owner builder permit.
9. Pay the council fees
In most cases, council fees associated with the complying development certificate must be paid.
Darook will let you know the applicable council fees with the complying development approval.
10. Appoint the principal certifier
Required to confirm the certifier who will complete the inspections and issue the occupation certificate.
Fill in and sign the principal certifier appointment form!
Darook will send the principal certifier appointment form with the complying development approval.
11. Submit the principal certifier appointment application
Lodge your appointment application, receipt of the council fees, builders insurance or owner builders permit to the certifier.
A planning portal submission is required at this point!
Need help? Here is a planning portal guide for you →
12. Principal certifier appointment approval
If your application meets all the requirements, the certifier will send the principal certifier application to the council.
13. Construction can start
Two days after the PC appointment has been approved, you can commence construction according to the approved plans and conditions outlined in the certificate.
14. Inspections by the certifier
During construction, the certifier will need to complete mandatory inspections to make sure that the construction is progressing according to the approved plans and complying with relevant regulations and building code.
15. Construction is completed
The construction has been completed by the builder according to the approved plans and complying with relevant regulations and building code.
16. Prepare occupation certificate documentation
Gather all necessary documentation, including certificates from engineers and trades, survey plans and other relevant information.
17. Final inspection by the principal certifier
A final inspection will be completed by the certifier to confirm that the development has been built in accordance with the approved plans and complies with all relevant regulations.
18. Submit the occupation certificate application
Lodge your occupation certificate application to the certifier, along with all necessary documentation, plans and certificates.
A planning portal submission is required at this point!
Need help? Here is a planning portal guide for you →
19. Occupation certificate approval 🎉
If everything is in order, a final occupation certification will be issued.
It's important to note that the exact process and requirements for complying development may vary depending on the specific project, jurisdiction and local regulations.