If you’re planning a home renovation in Sydney, understanding the council approval process is just as important as choosing your tiles and paint colours. In New South Wales, certain types of renovations require formal approval from your local council or a certifier before any work can begin. Failing to secure the right permissions can result in costly fines, stop-work orders, and even mandatory demolition of completed work.
At RJG Group, we guide our clients through the ins and outs of the approvals process to ensure every renovation is fully compliant, stress-free and legally sound. This blog breaks down the essentials, with real examples, helpful links and professional insights, so you can feel confident before you lift a single hammer.
Why Approvals Matter
Renovation work is regulated to ensure that homes are safe, sustainable, and in harmony with their surroundings. Council approvals exist to:
- Maintain building and safety standards
- Ensure works won’t negatively impact neighbours
- Protect heritage-listed or environmentally sensitive sites
- Confirm zoning compliance for land use
If your renovation is found to be non-compliant, you could be forced to undo the work, an expensive and avoidable mistake.
Understanding the Three Approval Pathways in NSW
In NSW, renovation works typically fall under one of three categories, depending on the type, scale and location of the project:
- Exempt Development
These are minor works that don’t require council or certifier approval, provided they meet strict development standards under the NSW Planning Portal. Examples include:
- Repainting, re-cladding, or re-roofing a home
- Installing a garden shed or pergola (within size and height limits)
- Internal updates like flooring or cabinetry (no structural changes)
- Replacing windows and doors if not enlarging openings
Always check the NSW Exempt Development Guidelines to confirm your eligibility.
- Complying Development (CDC)
A streamlined approval path for larger projects that meet pre-set planning and building rules. You apply through a registered certifier or council for a Complying Development Certificate.
Typical CDC projects include:
- Single-storey extensions within height/setback limits
- Detached studios, sheds or garages
- Granny flats on standard lots
- Swimming pools and decks
- Internal reconfigurations that comply with the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes)
Timeframe: Usually approved within 20 days if your plans meet all criteria. Tip: RJG Group works with certifiers to confirm whether your project qualifies before submission.
- Development Application (DA)
A DA is required when your renovation doesn’t qualify as exempt or complying development. This involves submitting a detailed application to your local council for assessment.
Common DA triggers include:
- Multi-storey or complex extensions
- Alterations to heritage-listed properties
- Construction in bushfire, flood, or conservation zones
- Projects breaching local setback or floor space rules
What You’ll Need:
- Site plan and elevation drawings
- Statement of Environmental Effects
- Heritage impact statement (if required)
- Stormwater and BASIX certification
- Public exhibition and neighbour notification process
Approval time: Can take 6–12 weeks depending on council backlog and complexity.
Real Example: Michael and Lina’s Granny Flat in Blacktown Michael and Lina wanted to build a 60sqm granny flat in their backyard for Lina’s mother. Initially, they assumed they needed a DA, but RJG Group reviewed their lot and confirmed it met CDC criteria (minimum lot size, rear access, correct setbacks). Working with a private certifier, we obtained their CDC in under three weeks, saving time, council fees and stress.
What Type of Renovation Needs What?
| Renovation Type | Exempt | CDC | DA Required |
| Kitchen/Bathroom (internal only) | ✅ | No | Only if major plumbing/structural changes |
| Deck under 25sqm & 1m high | ✅ | No | If over size or near boundary |
| Pergola or shade structure | ✅ | If over 20sqm | If not meeting standards |
| Garage conversion | No | ✅ | Sometimes (heritage/flood zone) |
| Granny flat | No | ✅ | DA for strata or non-compliant lots |
| Pool or spa | No | ✅ | DA if on sloped site or flood zone |
| Solar panels | ✅ | – | DA for heritage homes |
| Fence (under 1.8m side/rear) | ✅ | No | DA for higher or retaining walls |
Skipping Approval: What Could Go Wrong?
Undertaking renovations without the required approvals can have significant legal, financial and practical consequences. Homeowners who proceed without the correct documentation and sign-offs risk encountering serious problems, including:
- Being issued with stop work orders that can delay your project indefinitely
- Receiving fines and legal notices for breaching planning or building regulations
- Facing the prospect of mandatory demolition of unapproved structures, regardless of how much has been spent
- Encountering difficulties during property resale, including failed building inspections or contract cancellations
- Having your home insurance claim denied in the event of damage or defect due to non-compliant work
For peace of mind, it is always better to confirm what approvals are required before any work begins. RJG Group helps homeowners avoid these setbacks by ensuring every stage is legally sound.
Helpful Resources for Homeowners
- NSW Planning Portal
- Complying Development Explained
- BASIX Certificates
- Check Zoning and Planning Rules
How RJG Group Simplifies the Process
At RJG Group, our experienced builders and project managers handle the approval process from start to finish. We understand that navigating council regulations and compliance frameworks can be overwhelming, especially when rules vary between suburbs.
Our approach includes:
- Coordinating directly with private certifiers or local councils to determine the most efficient path forward
- Organising essential site surveys, reports, and supporting documentation
- Providing tailored design advice to help your renovation meet compliance requirements while preserving your design goals
- Preparing and lodging all paperwork for CDCs or DAs on your behalf
- Managing the entire inspection and follow-up process to keep your timeline on track
We focus on getting it right the first time, helping you avoid unnecessary delays, costs and compliance headaches.
Final Checklist Before Starting Your Renovation
Before breaking ground on your project, take the time to check the following:
- Confirm your property’s zoning and whether it falls within a bushfire, flood, or heritage overlay
- Determine whether your renovation qualifies as exempt, complying development or requires a DA
- Gather the necessary supporting documents such as site plans, shadow diagrams, BASIX reports and sewer diagrams
- Understand that no two properties are the same, neighbours’ approvals may not apply to your site
- Speak to a professional builder or certifier early in the planning stage to avoid costly changes down the track
Let RJG Group Handle the Red Tape While You Focus on the Build
Council approvals don’t have to be a roadblock. With the right builder on your side, you can navigate the approval process with confidence and clarity. RJG Group is dedicated to helping Sydney homeowners complete successful, fully compliant renovations with minimal stress and maximum transparency.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you secure your approvals, meet your deadlines, and turn your renovation plans into a reality.
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