Game plan: Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
What’s a CDC?
It’s a straightforward approval process to build, demolish, and renovate a residential or commercial property without going through the Development Application (DA) and Construction Certificate (CC) process.
Based on the Exempt & Complying Development Code 2008, we design, document and coordinate your project to secure your approval via private certifier or council to start construction.
Here’s a step-by-step map to get you there:
You’re in? so What’s the Game Plan?
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First, we schedule a meeting to discuss the project and requirements. This can be held in person at our offices or via an MS Teams meeting, where we can share screens and collaboratively review ideas to better understand the client’s vision for his future property.
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To know more about the property regulatory framework a Section 10.7 (2) & (5) Planning Certificate must be acquired by the client from the council’s website.
This certificate provides essential information to determine whether a CDC can be pursued. The assessment is based on the project brief, zoning and other regulatory parameters.
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Positive Assessment Outcome: If the property is eligible for development under the CDC code, we’re ready to proceed! At this stage, we agree on the scope of work and associated fees with the client. Our services can range from providing essential architectural documentation and specifications to managing the entire process and securing the approval for construction.
Negative Assessment Outcome: If the development can only proceed through a Development Application (DA) lodged with the council, no worries—that’s not the end of the road! We can also assist in obtaining your DA approval. For more details, check out our blog post, “Game Plan: Development Approval (DA)”.
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With the planning assessment and engagement completed, site investigations commence with:
Detail & Boundary Survey: A registered surveyor maps and documents site features, including boundaries, levels, structures, vegetation, underground and exposed services, easements, etc... This data serves as a crucial reference for accurate design, planning, and compliance.
Sewer Diagram: A sewer diagram is required to ensure the proposed construction doesn’t interfere with sewer infrastructure. It verifies clearances, prevents pipe impact, and ensures proper drainage. It’s acquired from the from local water authorities, councils, or accredited plumbers and certifiers with access to relevant records.
Flood Certificate: For flood-prone areas, a hydraulic engineer evaluates the council-issued certificate and recommends mitigation measures to be integrated into the design.
Site Measurements: For projects involving internal alterations to an existing building, we conduct a measurement take-off to accurately document the building's internal layout.
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The concept architectural design stage outlines the project's vision, purpose, and key requirements. It defines the design intent, spatial needs, aesthetic goals, sustainability considerations, and budget constraints. This stage focuses on translating the client’s vision into creative ideas through sketches, mood boards, and diagrams.
Key deliverables for this stage:
SEPP and site analysis
Concept diagram
Floor plans
Site plan
Elevation
Conceptual sections
Interior and exterior sketchy or photorealistic 3D images
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Following coordination meetings, preliminary design reviews, and revisions as required, an optimal design is established that balances the desired space, functionality, aesthetics, budget, and materiality.
The concept drawings are then submitted to the client for final approval, paving the way for the design development stage required for certification and construction.
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At this stage, we engage the certifier to conduct a preliminary review of the client-approved concept design and provide compliance advice, ensuring the design align with applicable regulatory requirements.
Based on this review, the certifier outlines the necessary documentation for CDC approval.
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The architectural design development progresses concurrently with other disciplines in a coordinated manner to produce comprehensive construction documentation for builder pricing and construction works.
Our key deliverables at this stage are:
Design Development: Refining floor plans, elevations, and building sections to produce construction-ready architectural documentation.
Design Coordination: Ensuring design alignment with other consultants to deliver coordinated, clash-free architectural documentation.
Schedules & Specifications: Preparing door and window schedules along with a comprehensive building specifications report.
Compliance Documentation: Producing a Design Verification Statement or updating the SEPP Compliance table as required.
3D Model Updates: Revising 3D models to accurately reflect architectural changes.
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Depending on the agreed scope of work, the client may either appoint us as lead consultant to manage the design administration and consultants’ coordination until the CDC approval is secured and construction ready documentation is obtained or engage and coordinate directly with secondary consultants to obtain the required documentation.
Most CDC applications require the engagement of the following consultants:
Structural Engineer: Conducts structural load assessments for new constructions and ensures the structural adequacy of existing structures in scope.
Civil Engineer: Provides erosion control studies for site works and determines new ground levels for concrete driveways and floors, ensuring proper stormwater drainage connections to the public network.
Energy Assessor: Evaluates the proposed building fabric, sustainability and its performance in relation to the site’s environmental conditions and provides NatHERS and BASIX certification as required by NSW planning regulations.
For specific sites, additional consultants may be required:
Hydraulic Engineer: Designs roof guttering, on-site detention (OSD), and rainwater tank systems, along with sewer drainage and water supply connections for both altered and newly built areas. In flood-prone zones, hydraulic engineers also develop flood mitigation strategies in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Electrical Engineer: In most small to medium-sized residential projects, the electrical design and compliance are generally handled by the builder or electrician during the construction phase, without the need for a specific consultant for the CDC application. However, if the project has significant electrical components, an Electrical Engineer may be needed for detailed design and compliance.
Fire Engineer: Required if the development is a Class 1a building in a bushfire prone zone or contains multiple adjacent occupancies separated by fire-rated walls.
Acoustic Engineer: Necessary if the development is affected by acoustic parameters, such as airport noise or other environmental factors. This consultant ensures noise-mitigating construction measures are implemented.
Landscape Architect: Engaged when the project includes large outdoor areas or structures featuring diverse planting schemes.
Quantity Surveyor: Prepares building cost estimates based on a detailed quantity take-off for the proposed works.
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When engaged as the lead consultant, we manage the coordination and integration of all required studies, ensuring a seamless process throughout the job. Before lodging the CDC application on the NSW Planning Portal, we present the complete package to the client for final review.
If the client opts to engage and coordinate with consultants independently, including handling the design coordination and CDC application lodgment, we remain available to provide support and guidance as needed.
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As lead consultants, we manage the lodgment of the CDC application on the NSW Planning Portal, ensuring all documentation is accurate and submitted on time. We proactively address any requests for additional information from the certifier or council, resolving concerns promptly to secure the CDC approval at the shortest time possible.
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We provide the client with the pre-construction notification letter, which should be distributed to Neighbours within 20 meters of the site boundary at least 7 days before construction begins. This letter notifies them of the upcoming works and includes all relevant details.
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As the client enters the construction stage of the project, we will remain available to support as needed. We can assist with the following:
Advise on the selection of a builder and appointment contract review.
Responding to requests for information (RFI) from the client or the builder.
Contract administration throughout the building process.
Building commissioning and obtaining the Occupation Certificate
At 1001 Designs, we are dedicated to ensuring client satisfaction by delivering tailored designs that meet your unique needs and vision. We work closely with you throughout every stage of the project, from initial concept to final completion, ensuring open communication, attention to detail, and a seamless experience.
“We create cost-efficient buildings that combine quality, value, and innovation, using modern tools to make the design process faster and better”