Advice concerning submissions and applications
Ask us first!
The first step in preparing a development application is to find out about our controls, policies and guidelines. Before designing your proposal, you need to know about:
- Approval requirements under Environmental Planning legislation
- Canterbury Planning Scheme Ordinance and the Local Environmental Plans for Campsie, Canterbury and Belmore/Lakemba Precincts
- Relevant Development Control Plans/Codes
- Relevant Council policies
Note: all of our Development Control Plans and many other useful documents are available on our web page at the Building and Development entry page.
Contact us for information and advice as early as possible in the design process. Most initial enquiries can be answered over the phone but it is better to call in personally to our Customer Service Centre. We have trained staff who will be able to tell you about the relevant legal requirements, development standards, design guidelines and alert you to the constraints that you will need to consider in designing or preparing your proposal.
For a detailed response to a specific proposal, we suggest that you come in for a 'pre-DA discussion' with one of the Development Assessment Planners or Building Surveyors for your area. Phone (02) 9789 9300 for an appointment, and send us a sketch plan in advance to illustrate your ideas. This will focus the discussion and allow us to give more detailed suggestions.
Need Other Approvals?
You need to be aware that your proposal may require approval from other government agencies. We can help you identify relevant approvals and agencies which are listed under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
A development that requires any of these approvals is classed as an integrated development. Applications for integrated development are referred to the relevant agency, such as:
- Heritage Council - where your proposal involves a site covered by a State Heritage Order,
- Dept of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources - where your proposal involves works within 40 metres of a waterway,
- Dept of Environment and Conservation - where your proposal involves works to a scheduled premises licensed by that Department or may impact on threatened species,
- NSW Fisheries.
We strongly recommend that you consult with relevant approval bodies as early as possible.
You may also apply for an approval under the Local Government Act 1993 at the same time you are making your development application. These approvals relating to matters such as swinging or hoisting goods over a public road, placing a waste container in a public place, and erecting a temporary structure. Please refer to Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 for further details.
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