Subdivision & Strata Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
Fast track planning approval for subdivision and strata development across New South Wales.
What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?
For certain developments, the CDC pathway can also be used to obtain planning approval for subdivision or strata development, allowing the creation of Torrens title lots or strata schemes where the development complies with the relevant planning code
For developments such as duplexes, townhouses or residential apartment buildings, the building works are typically approved under a separate CDC issued by a building certifier.
Once the building approval has been obtained, a Subdivision or Strata CDC may be issued to enable the creation of Torrens title lots or a strata scheme, provided the development satisfies the requirements of the relevant planning code.
This pathway allows certain developments to proceed without a full Development Application, provided all prescribed standards are satisfied.
By using the CDC pathway, eligible projects can significantly reduce title registration timeframes over the traditional DA process.
NSW Planning Codes Pathway
Faster approvals than DA
Simplified requirements
Can be issued by Registered Certifier
Typical CDC Development Pathway
CDC pathways are commonly used for duplex and multi dwelling developments where subdivision or strata registration will occur following construction.
Building CDC issued by a Building Certifier
Approval for the construction of the development.
Subdivision / Strata CDC issued by Southwell Certifiers
Planning approval for the subdivision or strata scheme.
Construction of the development
Works carried out in accordance with the approved plans.
Subdivision / Strata Certificate by Southwell Certifiers
Endorsement of Subdivision / Strata Plan
Developments Types Approved Under CDC
Complying development pathways are widely used for a range of residential and commercial developments across New South Wales. Torrens title Subdivision CDC’s are applicable to buildings approved via a Building CDC such as Duplex, and multi-dwelling housing (terraces) developments. While Strata CDC’s are applicable to same but also include industrial developments approved via building CDC, and townhouses, residential flat buildings, and commerical approved under DA.
Duplex & Multi dwelling housing (terraces)
Torrens title & Strata Subdivision of duplex and multi dwelling devleopments where Building CDC approval has been issued.
Industrial Developments
Strata Subdivision of industrial devleopments where Building CDC approval or DA approval has been issued.
Townhouses and Apartments
Strata Subdivision of townhouses and apartments where Building approval via Development Application.
Commercial & mixed used developments
Strata Subdivision of mixed use and industrial developmentswhere Building approval via Development Application.
What we assess
Before we can issue a Subdivision or Strata Complying Development Certificate, we must verify that the proposed development complies with all relevant planning and building requirements.
This assessment typically includes review of:
Compliance with the relevant State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP)
Zoning and land use permissibility
Lot size and widths
Building CDC Approval & Plans
Engineering Stormwater and drainage design
Draft Subdivision or Strata Plans
Compliance with regulations
Zoning & Land use Permissibility
Lot size and widths
Building CDC and Approved plans
Approved Stormwater Plans
Subdivision or Strata Plan
What we need from you
To assess and issue a Complying Development Certificate, the following documentation is typically required:
Completed application form and owners consent
NSW Planning Portal Application
A Section 10.7 Certificate
Approved Building CDC (incl. stamped Artchitectural and stormwater plans)
Draft Subdivision/Strata Plan, Administration Sheet and 88B (if required)
Evidence of Housing Productivity Contribution (HPC)
We will review the documentation and advise if any additional information is required prior to issuing the certificate.
1 - 2 Days
Initial Review
Project Specific
Further Information
Upon Compliance
Certificate Issue
Ready to Proceed with your Complying Development Certificate?
If you are considering a complying development pathway for your project, we can review the site and proposed development to confirm eligibility and provide a fee proposal for certification services. We work with home owners, developers, architects and consultants across New South Wales to deliver efficient, independent certification for residential, commercial nad industrial developments.
Requesting a proposal does not appoint Southwell Certifiers and does not create any obligation to proceed.