Do I need approval?
Do I need approval?
Generally, if you are proposing to use land, subdivide land, erect a building, carry out a work or undertake a demolition, you will require approval from council. However the size and scale of a development determines which of the NSW assessment pathways applies, so check which category it falls into before starting any development activity Planning approval pathways | Planning.
1. Exempt development
Some works can be carried out around your home or workplace without applying for council approval. This is known as "exempt development" and generally includes minor works that have low environmental impact.
Can exempt development be carried out on my land?
Exempt development can be carried out in most parts of the Shire.
In many cases, a particular development will be only be prevented from being exempt development because it exceeds pre-determined size requirements, and not because of the location of your property.
The requirements for exempt development are included in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation which is also known as the Codes SEPP. If you have difficulty working out whether exempt development can be carried out on your land, please email Council’s Development & Environment council@narrandera.nsw.gov.au for assistance.
Does my proposal qualify for exempt development?
A comprehensive list of development types that can be carried out without approval is included in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. The State Government has prepared a website to assist landowners in determining whether your proposal can be carried out without Council approval.
What if my development does not qualify as exempt development?
If your development doesn't qualify as exempt development, you may be able to apply for a Complying Development Certificate.
2. Complying Development Certificate
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward development that can be determined through a fast-track assessment by a council or an accredited certifier Complying development | Planning.
As it is usually a straightforward approval process, CDCs are generally issued within 10 days.
To qualify for complying development, the proposed works must comply with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and satisfy all of the pre-determined requirements outlined in State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, also known as the Codes SEPP.
Not all land is suitable for CDC development. Apply to Council for a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate to determine if it a site is suitable for this type of approval.
If your proposal can be carried out as complying development you will need to lodge a Complying Development Application with an accredited certifier - either Narrandera Shire Council or a Private Certifier.
What are the Complying Development categories?
The six current categories of Complying Development
- New houses
- Housing alterations
- Bed and breakfasts
- Commercial and industrial
- Subdivisions
- Demolitions
What are the advantages of a Complying Development?
Less Paperwork – you do not need to lodge a Development Application (DA) or Construction Certificate (CC).
Start Building Quicker – complying developments can be approved in 10 days by the accredited certifier.
Reduce Costs – The application process is cheaper than lodging a DA or CC.
No neighbour notification – The accredited Certifier is not required to notify your neighbours of the development.
Meets BASIX requirements – the requirements for the Complying Development Code also meet the water and energy saving demands on BASIX.
What are certifying authorities?
Certifying authorities are responsible for the approval and inspection of building works. They issue the certificates you need to build including Complying Development Certificates and Construction Certificates. In most cases, the certifying authority is the local council, however you can also choose to engage a Private Certifier to act as the certifying authority. Private Certifiers are private practitioners accredited to act as public officials.
Where can I find further information?
What certifiers do | NSW Government contains further information about certifying authorities. Alternatively, you can contact Council to seek further information.
What is a Principal Certifying Authority?
In most cases you will need to engage a particular type of certifying authority known as a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). The PCA inspects building works during the course of construction to ensure it meets with regulatory requirements. It is the job of the PCA to assess whether the building work complies with approvals and is suitable and safe for occupation.
The PCA needs to be appointed before building works can commence. To do this, you must fill out an Appointment of PCA form and submit to Council.
Who can nominate a PCA?
The person having the benefit of a development consent or complying development can appoint a PCA.
A contractor or any other person who will carry out the building work or subdivision work cannot be appointed as a PCA, unless that person is the owner of the land on which the work is to be carried out on.
Who can be a Principal Certifying Authority?
Only an accredited certifier or Council can undertake the functions of a Principal Certifying Authority for your development.
Where can I find further information?
What certifiers do | NSW Government contains further information about certifying authorities. Alternatively, you can contact Council to seek further information.
Can I start construction while my application is with Council?
No. You must not commence any form of construction until you have received a Complying Development Certificate from Council. It is important that you read the conditions of your development consent carefully to determine whether there are any other approvals required before you can commence construction works.
3. Development Applications
Development that is not exempt or complying development will require lodgement of a Development Application with Council. Learn more about Development Applications here.
4. Other approvals and permits
In addition to a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA), you may need other formal approvals for certain parts of your development, or works associated with your development, such as new stormwater connections, driveway crossings or similar work. Such work requires Council approval to ensure it complies with the relevant standards.
We encourage you to seek any other approvals or permits before or at the same time you lodge your DA. This can help you to avoid delays or the need to make separate applications.
Your proposal may require other approvals if it involves
- Works within a public road, nature strip, footway, bridge or public reserve
- Land that is identified as heritage listed
- Bushfire prone land
- Land in a national park
- Potential pollution generating activities
- Plumbing and drainage
- Installation or modification of an on-site waste management system
- Works affecting an Aboriginal heritage item
- Activities requiring a water licence
If your proposal fits into one of these categories, it is suggested that you contact Council to discuss any approval requirements.
Section 68 local government activities
Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 covers many types of common works and activities that require Council's approval, including:
- installing a manufactured home, movable dwelling or associated structure on land
- carrying out water supply workinstalling, altering, disconnecting or removing a meter connected to a service pipe
- carrying out sewerage work
- carrying out stormwater drainage work
- connecting a private drain or sewer with a public drain or sewer under the control of a council or with a drain or sewer that connects with such a public drain or sewer
- installing a domestic oil or solid fuel heating appliance other than a portable appliance
- operating a caravan park or camping ground
- operating a manufactured home estate
- installing or operating amusement devices.
You can seek approval from Council for an activity under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 as part of your DA or as a separate stand-alone application (eg: prior to a CDC).
Council will assess your application and, where approval is granted, will provide confirmation that includes any conditions that apply to these works.
However, if you choose to apply for any of these activities or works at the same time as your DA rather than lodge a separate Section 68 Application, you will not be required to pay any additional application fees associated with those works.
Section 138 Roads Act 1993 works within a road reserve
Council approval is required for any works proposed within the road reserve under Section 138 of the Roads Act 1993. This is to ensure public safety is maintained and that there is no liability or risk imposed on Council.
Works within the road reserve can include activities like:
- erecting a structure
- digging up or disturbing the surface of a public road
- constructing a driveway crossover
- removing or interfering with a structure
- any other activities as defined within the Roads Act 1993.
Just like Section 68 activities, you can make a Section 138 Application by itself or as part of a DA.
If you are applying as part of a DA you will need to provide information about the works you wish to undertake, as listed in the DA checklist. Any conditions applicable to the works on the road will be included in the notice of determination for your DA.