What is a DA approval and why do I need one?

So, what is DA approval? A development application (DA) is an application made to Council seeking consent to:

• construct
• subdivide
• change the use of a property or premises
• demolish a building
• display advertising
• undertake earthworks
• make alterations or additions to a building

To help you understand the finer DA approval meaning, we’ve broken the vital details. A Development Application (DA) is necessary for the Council to evaluate the potential effects of proposed changes on the environment, neighbourhood, and surrounding properties. Considerations such as pollution, shadowing, traffic, and privacy are carefully examined during this assessment process.

Property owners, architects, town planners, engineers, builders, or other representatives acting on behalf of the owner typically submit DAs.

During the assessment, the Council determines whether the proposed development aligns with the regulations and guidelines for the area. The Council may choose to refuse, grant consent, grant consent with conditions, or provide a ‘Deferred Commencement’ consent, indicating that more information is needed before final approval.

What will the council review?

The council reviews the design based on various rules, including:

• Zoning, indicating what development is allowed without consent, with consent, or prohibited.
• Heritage significance of your house or the area.
• Specific environmental concerns like flooding, bushfire risk, and sensitive land.
• Maximum building height.
• Floor Space Ratio (FSR) limit.
• Building setbacks.
• Privacy considerations.

Approval of a DA signifies that the submitted plans are deemed satisfactory by the Council. However, it’s important to note that a Construction Certificate is still required before commencing construction.

If you’ve obtained Development Application (DA) approval from your local council and require a construction certificate, Darook can help you, provide advice and issue you a quote for the obtain your stamped plans and DA approval, providing a quote for the building approval.

The Development Application and Construction Certificate Process

What is a DA in building? Well, irrespective of the development’s size, scale, or complexity, the Development Application and Construction Certificate Process is more or less the same. Simply put, the process is:

1. Pre-lodgement with the local council
2. Lodgement with the local council
3. Assessment
4. Determination, issued by a council certifier or private certifier
5. Construction Certificate, issued by a council certifier or private certifier
6. Occupation Certificate, issued by a council certifier or private certifier

For a comprehensive understanding of the Development Application and Construction Certificate process, you can explore the details provided in this link.

Where to get help with the DA approval process

Every local council offers community members access to a Council Duty Planner, an individual designated to assist in comprehending both general and specific development regulations and restrictions. This involves translating technical language and providing guidance on various aspects.

Construction Certificate

A Construction Certificate validates that the plans and specifications are in line with development consent and adhere to the Building Code of Australia. It’s important to note that building works cannot commence until a Construction Certificate is issued.

This certificate can be obtained from either a Council certifier or a registered private certifier.

Learn more about exempt development here.

Where a DA is not needed

If your development proposal can comply with the exempt development or complying development legislation, a DA is not required.

Exempt Development

Exempt development is the legal term used to describe minor building work that is not subject to planning or building approval. Numerous home renovations and minor building projects fall under exempt development, eliminating the need for approval from a council or private certifier.

Learn more about exempt development here.

Complying Development

Complying development refers to specific types of projects that follow predetermined standards in state or local government planning codes.

The main advantage is the quick approval process. Once you submit the application and meet all criteria, approval can often be granted within a few weeks.

Typical projects include small renovations, home extensions, certain demolitions, decks, carports, fences, and minor building works.

Learn more about complying development here.