How to Get Council Approval for Your Renovation

Thinking about renovating your home? Whether you’re planning to extend your kitchen, add a second storey, or freshen up that old façade, there’s one important step that many homeowners forget or avoid until it’s too late: council approval.

While it might feel like red tape, getting the green light from your local council is a crucial part of making sure your renovation runs smoothly and stays above board. So, let’s break down what you need to know in plain English, no jargon, no fluff.

Not necessarily. Some smaller projects, like internal upgrades or cosmetic changes, might fall under what’s known as “exempt development,” meaning you can skip the paperwork. But once you start moving walls, building structures, or altering your home’s footprint, it’s likely you’ll need either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Still not sure? It’s always best to check. At Ardent Construction, we’ve worked with dozens of councils across Sydney and can help guide you through what applies to your specific project.

Before you start printing off forms or booking appointments, take the time to get clear on what you’re actually proposing. Councils will want to see:

• Site plans
• Elevations
• Floor plans
• Drainage and landscape details (in some cases)

Heritage impact statements (if your property is heritage-listed or in a conservation zone)

This is where working with an experienced builder or designer makes a huge difference. Our team at Ardent can help you put together a renovation brief that ticks all the boxes before anything is submitted.

Here’s the quick version:

• Development Application (DA): Required for more complex or larger-scale work. This process involves public notification, assessment, and can take several weeks (sometimes months) to be approved.
• Complying Development Certificate (CDC): A faster, private-certifier approved process for renovations that meet specific requirements under NSW legislation. Think of it like a checklist—if your design ticks every box, it’s much quicker.

If you’re not sure which route is right for you, we’ll help assess your plans and recommend the best option based on your goals and timeline.

Every council has its quirks. What’s acceptable in one suburb may be a no-go in another. Things like setbacks, building heights, materials, and even colours can be regulated.

For example, if you live in a heritage conservation area, your renovation may need to maintain the existing character of the street. Our heritage home renovation specialists have deep experience navigating these extra layers of complexity.

This is where you’ll need your drawings, reports, and any additional documentation. It’s easy to overlook details that can delay approval, or worse, cause a refusal. Councils want to see that:

• Your proposal aligns with their Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP)
• You’ve considered environmental impacts
• Your renovation won’t negatively affect your neighbours or streetscape

We always recommend working with a designer or architect familiar with your local council’s processes. Better yet, chat to us at Ardent, we partner with professionals who’ve been through the system countless times.

Once submitted, a DA goes through public exhibition (so your neighbours can comment) before being reviewed by council planners. CDCs are generally faster, but still require documentation checks and site inspections.

This is the time to avoid making any changes to your plans unless absolutely necessary. If you need support during this phase, we’ll be right there to keep things on track.

Once your approval is in place, you’re good to go! But remember, inspections don’t stop here. Depending on your project, you may need staged sign-offs throughout construction.

At Ardent, we handle the entire build process with care and attention to detail, from excavation to final finishes. Whether it’s a small home extension or a complete house renovation, we make sure everything is compliant and council-ready.

Literally and figuratively. If you’re unsure whether your project needs approval, it’s better to ask early. Council penalties for unapproved work can include hefty fines, stop-work orders, and even forced demolition in extreme cases.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with us and we’ll guide you from concept through to construction, handling the paperwork, permits, and process along the way.

Ready to Get Started?

Renovating your home should be exciting, not stressful. With the right builder and the right advice, navigating council approval doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you’re at the idea stage or ready to lodge your application, Ardent Construction is here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s build something great, without the guesswork.

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• Home Extensions
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