What Is Complying Development?

If you are wanting a fast-track approval process for your straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development – look no further then read on!

Complying development is a planning and building approval process used in some regions, typically at the local government or municipal level, to streamline the approval of certain types of development projects that meet specific predetermined criteria. The goal of complying development is to simplify and expedite the approval process for straightforward, low-impact development projects, thereby reducing bureaucracy and accelerating construction.

Key features of complying development typically include:

Predefined Criteria: There are clear and specific criteria that must be met for a development project to qualify for complying development. These criteria often relate to factors such as the size and location of the project, setbacks from property boundaries, and environmental considerations.

Faster Approval Process: Complying development is designed to be faster than traditional planning and building approval processes. It can significantly reduce the time and paperwork required to obtain the necessary permits.

Limited Discretion: Local authorities generally have limited discretion when assessing complying development applications. As long as the project meets all the specified criteria, it is typically approved without the need for extensive negotiations or modifications.

Certainty for Applicants: Complying development provides a level of certainty for property owners and developers, as they can easily determine whether their project qualifies based on the predetermined criteria.

Types of Projects: The types of projects that may qualify for complying development can vary depending on local regulations but often include minor home renovations, small-scale residential additions, and certain commercial and industrial developments.

Environmental Considerations: Even in complying development, there may be criteria related to environmental impacts, such as restrictions on building near waterways or in environmentally sensitive areas. These criteria aim to protect the environment while still simplifying the approval process.

It’s important to note that the specific criteria and processes for complying development can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Local planning authorities or government agencies are responsible for defining the criteria and overseeing the complying development process in their respective areas. Therefore, it’s essential for property owners and developers to consult with their local planning department or authority to understand the requirements and procedures applicable to their specific project.

Vast Consulting Group provide Complying Development for a number of projects in NSW and QLD. If you would like to discuss if this is right for your next project, please reach out to our friendly team.

More information about NSW can be found on the Planning NSW website link here.

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