Type a NSW address. We pull the lot boundary and planning data, then show what a Complying Development Certificate allows.
Early release. The planning limits shown are a guide and are being checked against the current NSW Codes SEPP. Please confirm any figure with a certifier or building designer before you rely on it.
Thinking of building a new home, or adding to your existing one, in NSW? A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) can get you approved in a fraction of the time of a development application, but only if your design meets every standard in the Housing Code. Those standards depend on your block: your lot area and lot width set the maximum floor area, the setbacks from the front, side and rear boundaries, the building height and the landscaped area you must keep. This free checker looks up your lot, flags bushfire, flood, heritage and zoning issues that can rule a CDC out, and shows the limits that apply, so you know what is possible before you pay for plans. Built by Beaches Drafting, building designers on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Choose “Secondary road” below, then click the side boundary that faces the second street.
Ground-level building area Upper-level building area
CDC in NSW: a quick guide
What is a Complying Development Certificate?
A CDC is a fast-track approval for straightforward building work that meets set standards in the NSW Codes SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy). If your plans meet every standard, a council or private certifier can approve them without a full development application (DA). For new houses and extensions, the relevant rules are in the Housing Code.
CDC vs development application (DA)
A DA is assessed on its merits by council, so it can allow some flexibility. A CDC is a checklist: the design must meet every numeric standard, with no room to vary them. That makes a CDC quicker and more predictable, but a poor fit for unusual sites or designs that push the limits.
What decides how much you can build?
Under the Housing Code, these controls are driven mainly by your lot:
Floor area: the maximum floor area of the house is set by your lot size, so bigger lots allow bigger homes.
Setbacks: how far the building must sit from the front, side and rear boundaries. Side setbacks depend on lot width and on how tall the wall is.
Height and storeys: a maximum building height and number of storeys.
Landscaped area: a minimum percentage of the lot must stay as soft landscaping, with part of it in front of the building line.
Private open space, parking and garage width: extra requirements that depend on lot width.
What can rule out a CDC?
Some sites cannot use a CDC at all, or need extra steps. Common issues are land that is not zoned for the Housing Code, heritage items and conservation areas, flood-affected lots, bushfire-prone land (a BAL assessment is needed, and the highest rating is excluded), acid sulfate soils, environmentally sensitive land and local council exclusions. This tool checks these against NSW Planning Portal data when you search an address.
Alterations and additions
Extending an existing house under a CDC? The finished house must still meet the floor area, setback and landscaping limits, so your existing floor area uses up part of the allowance. Tick "Alterations / additions" and enter your current floor area to see what is left.
Frequently asked questions
How big can I build under a CDC in NSW?
It depends on your lot size. The Housing Code sets a maximum floor area by lot area band, along with matching setbacks and landscaping. Enter your address above to see the figures for your lot.
Do I need a minimum lot size or width for a CDC?
Yes. The Housing Code sets minimum lot area and width requirements, and narrow or battle-axe lots follow different rules. The checker flags lots that look too narrow.
Is a CDC cheaper than a DA?
Often the approval is faster, and fees and holding costs can be lower, but it depends on the project. A CDC only suits designs that meet every standard.
Can a CDC be approved by a private certifier?
Yes. A CDC can be issued by council or by an accredited private certifier.
How accurate is this checker?
It is a planning guide, not a certification. Boundaries come from the NSW cadastre and may differ from a survey, lot width is estimated, and neighbouring buildings, easements and council controls can change the result. Confirm with a certifier or building designer before you rely on it.
