Understanding Complying Development: A Fast-Track Path to Approvals
Complying development offers a streamlined approval process for straightforward construction and development projects. This combined planning and construction approval is designed to make things easier for homeowners, developers, and industry professionals. Instead of going through a lengthy development application process, complying development can be determined through a faster assessment by a council or an accredited certifier.
This approval pathway applies to a wide range of projects, including new homes, renovations, industrial buildings, demolitions, and even changes in business use. Whether you’re planning to build a new dwelling, make alterations to an existing home, or construct a new business premises, complying development can save you time and money.
A Guide to Complying Development for Homeowners and Developers
For small-scale residential projects—such as building a one or two-storey home or renovating an existing property—homeowners and developers can turn to the Guide to Complying Development. This helpful resource outlines the legislative requirements and provides valuable insights into navigating the approval process. The guide is also a useful tool for industry professionals, such as architects, certifiers, local councils, and designers, helping them with the design and assessment of complying development applications.
Exempt vs. Complying Development
You may have heard of exempt development, which applies to minor building works like small home improvements or repairs that don’t require a full development application. These works are low impact and can be completed without a council merit assessment, making them faster and more affordable.
Complying development, on the other hand, covers larger building works that typically require professional certification. Even though complying development doesn’t need a full development application, it’s still subject to conditions of approval to protect the surrounding environment during and after construction. This ensures the project is carried out with minimal disruption to the community.
Fast-Track Approvals: Save Time and Money
One of the key benefits of complying development is its fast-tracked approval process. In many cases, approvals can be granted in as little as 20 days—far quicker than the average 70-day wait for a standard development application. This speed is especially beneficial for homeowners looking to save both time and money on their projects.
For those building a new house under complying development, potential savings can reach up to $15,000, while renovations can save up to $2,600. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to streamline their construction or renovation projects without the red tape of a full development application.
In summary, complying development provides a clear, efficient, and cost-effective approval path for a variety of construction projects. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or embarking on a commercial or industrial development, this pathway can help you get the job done faster and with fewer hurdles.