What Is a Development Application (DA)?
A Development Application (DA) is a formal request to your local council for planning approval to carry out building or development works. It assesses your project against local planning controls, zoning laws, and environmental impacts to determine if it can go ahead.
You must receive DA approval before applying for a Construction Certificate or starting work on site.
Why You Need It
DA approval is required when your build:
- Does not qualify for Complying Development (CDC)
- Involves design changes, overlays, or heritage items
- Is located in a sensitive area (e.g. flood zone, bushfire zone, conservation area)
- Requires community notification or referral to planning departments
It ensures that your design is reviewed and approved at a local authority level, giving your project legal standing before construction.
How to Lodge Your DA (NSW)
1. Go to the NSW Planning Portal
2. Click “Login” (or create an account)
3. Select “Lodge a DA”
4. Choose your local council area
5. Fill in your project details, including the property and scope of work
6. Upload your required documentation:
- Site Plan
- Floor Plans
- Statement of Environmental Effects
- BASIX Certificate (if applicable)
- Any supporting reports (e.g. heritage, bushfire, acoustic)
7. Pay the application fee (credit card or BPay)
8. Click Submit
Once Requested
Once you have requested your DA to your local council, click the
orange “Mark Complete” button to move to the next step in your construction workflow.
