DA – Development Applications

A development application (DA) is a formal request submitted to the local council or relevant authority for permission to undertake new development or significant changes to a property, such as building a new home, adding extensions, constructing commercial spaces, or making major renovations. The DA process is designed to ensure that proposed developments comply with state and local planning laws, zoning requirements, and community expectations, ultimately protecting both the environment and local residents.

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WHAT IS A DA

What Is a Development Application?

A DA is required for a wide range of projects and acts as the legal process that checks whether a project aligns with planning schemes, land use controls, and relevant environmental concerns. This process often includes residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, as well as larger alterations or additions to existing buildings.

PROCESS

The Development Application Process

The DA process generally follows these main steps:

Pre-lodgement: Engage in discussions with council planners or consultants to determine requirements, constraints, and recommended documentation for the site and project. This step is designed to streamline future approvals.

Preparation: Collect all required documents such as site plans, building designs, specialist reports, and checklists. Councils often provide guides and checklists to help applicants prepare comprehensive and compliant submissions.

Lodgement: Submit the DA formally, typically through an online planning portal (such as the NSW Planning Portal). All forms, plans, and supporting material must be uploaded as PDFs. The application fee must also be paid at this stage.

Assessment: Council or relevant authorities review the application, and may pause the assessment if further details are needed. Public notification and referral steps may occur, depending on the type and complexity of the application.

Decision: The authority issues a decision, which may be approval, rejection, or a request for modifications. There are formal processes for changing approved developments or appealing decisions.

NSW PORTAL

Lodgement and the NSW Planning Portal

Development applications in New South Wales must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal. This digital platform makes it possible to:

Complete DA forms online

Upload supporting documents and plans

Track the progress of applications from lodgement to determination

Communicate with council and other stakeholders as needed.

HOW WE HELP

How “Check Cert” Can Help

Services like “Check Cert” can significantly assist with the DA process by:

Helping prepare and review required documentation (plans, BASIX certificates, specialist reports)

Supporting digital lodgement by uploading all necessary files onto the planning portal

Navigating specific council checklists and responding to compliance requests

Providing efficient coordination to resolve issues, reduce delays, and increase the likelihood of approval

By handling compliance, document preparation, portal uploads, and ongoing liaison with authorities, a certification and lodgement service streamlines the entire process for applicants and developers.

SUMMARY

Summary Table

Step in DA Process	Online Portal Use	How Check Cert Assists
Pre-lodgement	Guides, checklists	Planning advice, document preparation
Application/Lodgement	Online form, uploads	File collation, portal upload
Assessment	Track status online	Respond to council requests
Decision	Notification via portal	Manage modifications or appeals