Complying Development
By George Giannakakis · M.Arch · RLA300580 · HIA Industry Judge
Last reviewed: · How we research
Complying Development explained in detail
Complying development is a streamlined planning and building approval process for certain types of low-impact development in Australia. It allows for the approval of certain types of development, such as single dwelling houses, minor additions to existing buildings, and some commercial developments by complying with specific pre-determined standards and conditions. The approval is given by a private certifier rather than a local council, making it much faster.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about complying development
A Development Application (DA) goes through council and can take 60-120+ days, allowing for more flexible designs. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is approved by a private certifier in as little as 10-20 days, but your project must meet strict pre-set standards. CDC is faster but less flexible.
Verify against the binding rules in your state
BuildPilot is an independent home-build CoPilot - we publish guidance, we don't hold a building licence. Every Australian residential build must comply with the National Construction Code plus state-specific Acts and consumer-protection law. The authorities below are the primary sources of truth for the rules that actually apply to your project.
National
The primary national set of technical building standards that every Australian build must comply with. Volume 2 covers Class 1 & 10 buildings (most homes).
Specific material, product and method standards (e.g. AS 3700 masonry, AS 1684 timber framing) referenced by the NCC.
National peak body for residential builders. Publishes the most widely used home-building contracts and consumer guidance.
National peak body for general builders. Publishes commercial and residential contracts and industry guidance.
By state & territory
Links above open the public website of each authority. BuildPilot is not affiliated with these bodies and does not act on their behalf. Information on this page is general - check the current edition of the NCC and the relevant state Act for binding requirements.
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