What is a Development Approval?
A development approval (DA) is the official permission you need from your local council to carry out certain types of development on your land. It ensures your project complies with zoning, planning, and land use rules.
How Do I Obtain This Document?
- Check with your local council to see if your proposed work requires a development application or if it falls under the category of "accepted development," which doesn't need approval.
- Prepare your development application. Make sure your plans comply with council rules and zoning requirements. Include:
- Site plan and elevations
- Floor plans
- Landscape plans (if applicable)
- Engineering, traffic, or environmental reports (if required)
- Lodge your application directly to your local council. Alternatively, some councils allow a private certifier to lodge the DA on your behalf for certain developments
- Pay the required application fees
- Council will review the application
- If approved, you get a DA notice, often with conditions you must meet. You can then apply for a building approval to start construction
