Do I need approval?

Before you undertake any development or building works, you will need to determine what approvals are required.

A Development Application (DA) is usually required for most development in the local area, but it is not always necessary. You might be able to undertake the development as:

• exempt development, which does not require approval
  or
• complying development, which must meet all of the relevant standards in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Codes) 2008 (State Policy). This type of approval combines the functions of a Development Application and a Construction Certificate, but it is a simpler and quicker approval process than submitting a DA. However, complying development cannot be undertaken on all land.

The State Policy sets out the standards that each type of development must meet in order to be exempt. If your development proposal cannot satisfy one or more of these standards, a Development Application, Complying Development Application or Local Government Act approval will be required.

If you have been bushfire-impacted, you may be entitled to special exemptions and support. Find out about what help is available if you are planning on rebuilding or repairing your home following the recent bushfires.

Exempt development

You can do some minor building works in NSW without needing approval. Exempt development is low impact development that can be carried out for certain residential, commercial and industrial developments.

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 sets out the standards that each type of development must meet in order to be exempt, as well as the general requirements that apply to all exempt development (in Part 1 of the State Policy). If your development meets these criteria, you can proceed without approval from Council. We recommend that you keep a copy of the State Policy for your records.

Schedule 2 of the Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012 also sets out exempt development that can be carried out without the need for development consent.

For development types that do not require approval, refer to 'Exempt development' on the NSW Planning Portal or the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

More information

• Eurobodalla Shire Council: Complying development
• NSW Planning Portal: Complying development
• NSW Planning Portal: Exempt development
• NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment: Understanding exempt development
• NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment: Understanding complying development

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