Project sector
Residential Homes
A new detached dwelling is a Class 1a building. Where the proposal meets the relevant development standards, it can often be approved as complying development in a single certificate; where it does not, it proceeds by development application and Construction Certificate.
Overview
Most new homes in NSW are assessed against the Housing Code within the Codes SEPP. If the lot is eligible and the design meets each standard (height, setbacks, floor space, site coverage, landscaped area and the rest), a Complying Development Certificate combines planning and construction approval in one step.
Where a site is constrained or the design departs from a standard, the merit pathway applies: a development application to council, followed by a Construction Certificate before work begins. Either way, a Principal Certifier oversees construction through to the Occupation Certificate.
Typical pathway
- 01
Eligibility
We confirm whether the lot and design can use the Housing Code, or whether a DA is required.
- 02
Approval
A CDC is issued, or a CC follows the development consent.
- 03
Construction
Critical stage inspections are carried out at each required stage as the build proceeds, before the work is covered up.
- 04
Completion
Final inspection and Occupation Certificate.
What shapes the assessment
Lot and zone
Minimum lot size and width, the zoning and any overlay determine whether the code pathway is available.
BASIX
New dwellings require a BASIX certificate, and the plans must reflect every listed commitment.
Mapped constraints
Bushfire, flood, heritage and acid-sulfate mapping add requirements and can remove the CDC pathway.
Setbacks and height
A single non-compliant figure removes complying development until the design is amended.
Ready to get started?
Building a new home?
Send the plans and site details. We will confirm the pathway, complying development or DA, and what the application needs.
We respond to enquiries within one business day.