Local Development
Local development is the most common type of development in NSW, with projects ranging from home extensions to medium sized commercial, retail and industrial developments.
What is Local Development?
Local development is the most common type of development in NSW, with projects ranging from home extensions to medium sized commercial, retail and industrial developments.
A development is considered local development if a local environmental plan (LEP) or State environmental planning policy (SEPP) states that development consent is required before the development can take place.
The procedures for applying for development consent, the level of environmental assessment required, the notification required, and appeal rights will differ depending on how a development is categorised. These categories include designated development, integrated development and advertised development.
If you’re seeking council approval on a new build or renovation, you can now submit development applications (DA) online – anywhere, anytime, with our new online DA lodgement service.
The service is limited to a select number of councils at this stage, but it will be expanded to more councils across NSW in 2019.
Simply check the list of councils below. If the property you wish to develop is covered by these Local Government Areas, register then follow the steps for a simple DA submission process.
Where is this service available:
- Armidale Regional Council
- Blue Mountains City Council
- Byron Shire Council
- Camden Council
- Campbelltown Council
- Cessnock City Council
- City of Canada Bay Council
- City of Parramatta Council
- Coffs Harbour City Council
- Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
- Cowra Shire Council
- Clarence Valley Council
- Hunters Hill Council
- Inner West Council
- Lake Macquarie Council
- Lane Cove Council
- Moree Plains Shire Council
- Northern Beaches Council
- Penrith City Council
- Sutherland Shire Council
- Tenterfield Council
How to apply online
- Register for a NSW Planning Portal account to start your application.
- Log in to complete the online application form. You will need to submit Statement of environmental effects, Owner's consent and a Cost estimate report. You may be required to submit further documents to support your development application .
More information
If you need assistance using the Online development application service, please view our HowTo guides or contact ServiceNSW on 1300 305 695 for additional support.
If the online DA service is not yet available in your area, you can apply directly to your local council.
Your guide to the DA process
Building a new house or renovating your property is always exciting. However, the Development Application process can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed ‘Your guide to the Development Application process – Small housing development’, so the pathway to building your home can be faster and easier.
The Best Practice Guide for Councils
The guide draws on successful practices used by councils that assist in the timely determination of development applications. It was developed in close collaboration with a number of high growth local councils and draws on their proven processes and procedures.
Since the guide was released, the Department has met with 37 councils across regional and metropolitan NSW to discuss their development assessment processes. Many councils site the guide as a useful resource and benchmarking tool.