A complying development certificate (CDC) is a fast, code-based approval, but it isn't done in secret. NSW rules require neighbours to be told twice: once before the certificate is issued and a second time before construction begins. Getting the timing right keeps your project on schedule.
Two notices at two different stages
- Before approval. The certifier or council handling the CDC tells neighbours an application has been made.
- Before construction. Once approved, the applicant tells neighbours that construction is coming.
The two notices have different senders and different timing, and the rules vary with the location of the land.
Notice before approval
According to the NSW Planning Portal:
- Who is notified: neighbours within a 20 m radius of the development.
- Where it applies: metropolitan areas. Many regional and rural areas, and residential release areas, have no formal requirement, though notifying anyway is recommended.
- Who sends it: the certifier or council assessing the CDC.
- How far ahead: 14 days or more ahead of approval. For the newer Pattern Book pathway, the minimum is 7 days.
- How: in writing, delivered in person, through the letterbox or by post.
- Multiple homes: where a neighbouring lot holds a dual occupancy or apartments, each home is notified.
Neighbours can ask to see the plans, but the applicant does not have to provide them.
Notice before construction
After approval, the applicant (usually you or your builder) gives written notice to neighbours before work begins:
- Who is notified: neighbours within 20 m of the development lot's boundary.
- Notice period: a minimum of 7 days for metropolitan sites; 2 days for sites in regional or rural areas and residential release areas.
- Purpose: information only. Neighbours cannot make a submission on complying development at this stage.
This notice is separate from the steps you take with your principal certifier before work begins, so plan for both. Diarise the date you deliver the letters and count forward before booking excavation or deliveries.
Can neighbours stop a CDC?
Certifiers assess a CDC against fixed numeric standards in the housing codes, not against opinions. There is no public exhibition and objection process like a development application. Neighbours who believe a design breaks a code standard can raise it with the certifier, and no CDC can be issued unless every standard is met. A clean, well-checked set of plans is the best answer to concerns.
Practical tips
- Talk early. A friendly chat before the formal letters arrive heads off many complaints, especially about noise, access and boundary fences.
- Use the templates. The Planning Portal provides template notices for both stages.
- Keep proof. Note how and when each notice was delivered and keep a copy.
- Build the days into your program. The notice periods sit on the critical path. Plans that keep changing after lodgement can push your dates out.
- Check plans before lodging. A plan assessment finds code problems before neighbours see the proposal.
CertifiBuild assesses and issues complying development certificates for Class 1 and Class 10 work, and sends the pre-approval notice for you where it is required. To get started, request a quote.
Local help across NSW
CertifiBuild certifies Class 1 and Class 10 work in 39 council areas. Local rules on these council pages are a good place to start: Cumberland City Council, Wollongong City Council, City of Parramatta, Inner West Council, City of Sydney, Sutherland Shire Council.
Suburb pages with local planning notes: Annandale, Bexley, Chester Hill, Cleveland, Darlinghurst, Glebe, Oatlands, Summer Hill, Surry Hills, Woolooware. You can also browse every service area.
Sources
- Telling neighbours about complying development, NSW Planning Portal
- Complying development, NSW Department of Planning