Do I need an approval for my proposed renovation? Any modifications to an existing home that will result in a change to its shape or size will require Council approvals for renovation.
During the assessment of an application, authorities consider compliance with planning and construction requirements. They also assess the degree to which your project may affect surrounding properties.
In the Sydney area, there are two systems for assessing applications and issuing Council approvals for renovation:
- Local Council approval system
- State Government approval system
Local Council approval system
The local Council approval system has two stages known as Development Application and Construction Certificate. These are commonly known as D.A. and C.C. When you use the local Council process you need both the D.A. and C.C. approved before you can commence construction.
State Government approval system
The State Government approval system, commonly known as a Complying Development, is a single-stage process. After the application is approved, you will obtain a Complying Development Certificate (C.D.C.). Once you receive your Certificate, construction can commence.
Reasons for employing either approval system
Not surprisingly, there are certain differences between the D.A. and C.D.C. process.
The D.A. process through Council may allow you an opportunity to discuss modifications to some rules. This is usually possible if the proposal that you are presenting is reasonable and meets the Council’s objectives.
Conversely, the C.D.C. process is completely non-negotiable. Here you must comply with all requirements for a C.D.C.; otherwise, your application will not be approved.
How to know which approval system is best for your project?
The decision to select the most appropriate approval system requires an excellent knowledge of the rules and requires experience in this area.
Hence your Designer needs to be able to give you good advice about which process is going to be the most beneficial to you and your project, and why.
Using the Council process will take longer, but the benefits of achieving a more suitable design outcome for your project may be the most crucial factor for you.
In other cases, your project will comply with the State Government regulations and therefore receive Council approvals for renovation sooner.
Further information about renovating in your Council:
In particular, we have special expertise in designing home renovations in these northern Sydney councils:
- Ku-ring-gai Council area is a leafy locale ideal for families living close to nature, sporting fields and many private schools along the North Shore train line. There are easy-to-access bushwalking trails with adjacent creeks and valleys to enjoy.
- Willoughby Council area has an old-world charm with many homes within easy walking distance of the local cafes and retail area. Much of the area is level and includes some Heritage Conservation Areas.
- Lane Cove Council area has a lovely sense of community and is great for young families. Fronting Sydney’s foreshore with access to the waterways and bushland and many quiet streets to call home.
- Northern Beaches Council area stretches from Manly to Palm Beach and out to Frenchs Forest. The beach lifestyle and subsequent available views with a sea breeze make every day feel like the weekend. There are many properties with sloping land that lend themselves to interesting architecture capturing the views of the sea or the bushland.
- Ryde Council area stretches along Parramatta River foreshore and up to Macquarie University and the local Technology Park. It is well serviced with hospitals and large, modern shopping centres.
- Hornsby Council area starts on the northern edge of Sydney with a retail and transport hub. It is bordered by the Hawkesbury River and Cowan Creek with National parkland in abundance.
- North Sydney Council area runs along the northern shore of Sydney Harbour offering spectacular views of the harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. It attracts a diverse community with the CBD, foreshore homes and heritage row houses and those seeking fast access to Sydney city.
TESTIMONIAL
Excellent Service and Value for Money
In the course of these projects, some potentially sticky negotiations become necessary where Councils, Builders and Certifiers need to agree. Throughout the Approval, Construction and Certification phases, Martin represented our interests with vigour and good judgement. His unwavering commitment continued until the last paperwork was done, long after the final fee was paid.
Contact
With extensive experience in dealing with both Councils and State Government regulations and a 100% success rate of all approvals, we can guide you through this process and advise on what will best suit your project.
If you are looking to find the best approval process for your project, call Martin Kolarik to discuss your project.
0407 900 068