Although the documentation for development applications in Sydney may vary from council to council the concept is much the same. Development Applications aim to demonstrate the initial design concept of a building to council with varying amounts of detail in order to provide council with enough information for them to be able to decide as to whether or not the development should be approved in the area.

A development application is generally conducted in two stages the first of which is the concept design stage. The initial concept ideas and design for Pre DA submissions include:

• a review and discussion of the initial design brief which includes meeting(s) with the property owner(s)
• a site analysis and photographic report of the existing site which forms part of the future report required by council
• a detailed measure of the existing relevant architectural features and or building(s) (other than the level/land details by Surveyor)
• a summary of the council code analysis in relation to your site
• the initial client meetings and possible meeting with a duty town planner(s) to discuss the design concept
• the initial design concept sketches of plans for client review or pre Development Application (DA) submission

The second stage of development applications is the design development stage which follows the Pre DA submission and concept design. This stage involves council lodgement and includes:

• adjustments to stage one documents to reflect feedback from consultants
• development application form
• development application checklist
• estimated cost of works (for council DA fee)
• council fees
• site survey
• site context analysis plan
• site plan and privacy plan
• demolition plan(s)
• floor plan(s)
• roof plan
• section plan(s)
• elevation(s)
• streetscape elevation
• shadow diagram(s)
• basic stormwater drainage concept notes
• erosion and sediment control plan
• spoil route plan
• schedule of external colours, finishes and materials
• BASIX certificate
• statement of environmental effects (SEE) and SEPP 1 objection for non compliance(s)
• hard and soft area calculation plan
• floor space calculation plan
• acid sulfate soils notes mentioned in SEE
• waste management plan
• documents from relevant consultants
• A4 notification plans
• all documents on CD-ROM
• hard copies of all documents delivered to council as per council requirements
• PDF of all documents sent to the owner in electronic format

Depending on the local government council and your scope of works the documentation for your development application could involve more or less information. The length of time required to approve a development application can vary anywhere between three months to several years and is entirely dependent on the council and type of development which is being proposed.

Have you considered a Complying Development Certificate instead of a Development Application?

Whether preparing a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate, contact Sydesign for an obligation free consultation or quote.