How to Lodge a Development Application (DA)

Steps to Prepare and Lodge a Development Application (DA)

If your proposal doesn’t qualify as exempt or complying development, you’ll need to submit a Development Application (DA) for consent. All Development Applications must be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal.

For additional information and resources, see also Your Guide to the DA Process.

Here is our simplified Five step guide to preparing and lodging your Development Application:

Step 1 – Check If Your Development is Allowed

Confirm the zoning of your property using the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer

Step 2 – Request Pre-Lodgement Advice (optional)

You may request a Pre-Lodgement consultation for complex or larger proposals. It is recommended that for larger proposals.

  • This is a paid service and includes written feedback from Council.
  • Pre-Lodgement consultation requests can be made via email or in person. Allow 4–6 weeks for processing.

Step 3 – Prepare Your Plans and Documents

Identify which documents are needed using Council’s DA Lodgement Checklists.

Step 4 – Talk to Your Neighbours

While not mandatory, discussing your proposal early with neighbours can reduce concerns and delays.

  • If you’re in a strata property, check if body corporate consent is needed.

Step 5 – Lodge Your Development Application (DA)

Before lodging, make sure you’ve completed the Council's DA Lodgement Checklist and have all required plans and supporting documents ready.

All development applications must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal. To do this, you’ll need to create an account and follow the instructions in the NSW Planning

Portal Quick Reference Guides.

When you submit your documents via the portal, a PAN (Portal Application Number) will be assigned for tracking purposes. However, your application is not considered formally lodged until Council reviews the documentation and is satisfied that all necessary documents have been provided.

Council must follow the statutory timeframes set out in the Planning Order – see Statement of Expectations Order 2024.

If the submitted documentation is not satisfactory, Council’s Gateway Team will either request additional information or return the application with a letter identifying the issues that must be resolved. Once revised or updated information is submitted and deemed satisfactory, you will be contacted to pay the relevant fees.

Please note: The assignment of a PAN does not mean your application has been accepted or lodged. Once fees are paid, your application will be officially lodged and move to the next stage of assessment. Refer to Council’s Fees and Charges for application lodgement fees.

Lodge a Development Application (DA)

What Happens Next?

After lodging your application through the NSW Planning Portal and once Council has reviewed and accepted the submitted documents, you will be contacted to pay the relevant fees. The assessment process begins only after the required fees are paid.

Public Notification of Your Development Application

Some development applications need to be shared with the community for feedback. Refer to Council’s Community Participation Plan for timeframes and types of development that needs notification. If your application requires notification, it will be made available for public comments.

How Does Notification Work?

  • Letters are sent to owners and occupiers of neighbouring or nearby properties.
  • Application plans and documents are made available for viewing at Council’s Customer Service Centre and on Council’s DA Tracker.
  • For certain applications, a notice (sign) is placed on the development site.
  • Council also publishes notifications on its website.

During this period, the community can lodge submissions supporting or objecting to the proposal. Refer to our making a submission fact sheet for a summary of information. The assessing officer will review all submissions and may contact you to respond to any concerns raised before a final decision is made.

If your application is amended during the assessment process, it may need to be re-notified, and a re-notification fee may apply.

The assessing officer will conduct a site inspection and seek input from internal and external specialists, for example, on matters like biodiversity, traffic, flooding, stormwater or heritage.

Once all information is received, the officer will assess your application against relevant planning legislation, local controls, and any expert advice provided by internal and external referral bodies.

You can track the progress of your application via Council’s DA Tracker.

Modifications and Post-Approval Changes:

If you need to change an approved development, you need to lodge a modification application under Section 4.55 or 4.56 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The type of modification depends on the extent of the change:

  • Minor error due to incorrect description or miscalculation: Lodge a Section 4.55(1)
  • Minor changes with minimal environmental impact: Lodge a Section 4.55(1A) application.
  • Significant design changes: Lodge a Section 4.55(2) application.
  • Changes to Court-approved applications require a Section 4.56 application.
  • All modifications must be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal.

Need help?

Call Customer Service on (02) 4560 4444.

To speak with a Duty Planner, submit a call-back request. Calls are limited to 10 minutes. - For complex proposals, consider booking a Pre-Lodgement Consultation.