Council Approvals Explained: What Every Sydney Homeowner Should Know

If you are planning to build a custom home in Sydney, especially in established suburbs, one of the most important (and often misunderstood) parts of the process is council approval.

At Elandra Homes, we manage this complex step in-house, so you do not have to deal with the red tape. However, understanding the basics can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions early in your journey.

What Is Council Approval, and Why Do You Need It?

Before you can begin construction, your local council must review and approve your building plans to ensure they meet planning controls, zoning rules, and environmental standards.
This step ensures your home:
  • Complies with the Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
  • Meets height, boundary, and site coverage limits
  • Respects neighbourhood character and heritage restrictions
  • Does not negatively impact adjoining properties

Types of Council Approvals in NSW

There are two main pathways for residential construction in New South Wales:

1. Development Application (DA)

This is a formal application lodged with your local council. It is required when your design does not fully comply with standard planning controls or when the property is in a sensitive area (e.g. heritage zones).

2. Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

This is a faster, more streamlined approval pathway if your design meets strict state planning codes. It is assessed by a private certifier and bypasses the council altogether, but only if your site and plans are fully compliant.

Which Pathway Is Right for You?

This depends on:

The suburb and its specific zoning and overlays

Your block’s slope, frontage, setbacks, and vegetation

Whether the home falls within standard building envelopes

At Elandra Homes, our compliance specialist, Paul, evaluates your block and design early on and determines the most efficient pathway for your build.

Common Triggers for a Full DA Approval

You will likely need a Development Application if:

Your land is in a heritage conservation area

You want to exceed standard height or setback controls

There are significant trees or easements on the property

You are planning a knockdown rebuild in a sensitive LGA

How Elandra Handles Council for You

We have built homes in some of Sydney’s most regulated council areas, and we know the local processes inside out. With our in-house drafting, compliance, and architectural design team, we:
  • Prepare all necessary documentation
  • Liaise directly with the council or certifiers
  • Respond to requests for information or amendments
  • Guide you through approvals, without delays or confusion
We also keep you updated throughout the process so you know what is happening and when.

Why This Matters to Your Timeline and Budget

Council approvals can take 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application and the council’s processing time.
Delays often occur when:
  • Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is submitted
  • The design has not been adapted to local controls
  • Communication breaks down between the builder and council
By managing this process ourselves, we reduce your risk of delay, and make sure your build stays on track from the start.

Final Thoughts

Council approval is a critical step in your custom home journey, but it does not have to be a headache. With the right builder by your side, this part of the process becomes seamless, structured, and stress-free.
Ready to build with a team that handles council the right way?
Contact Elandra Homes and start your journey with confidence.