What is the difference between a DA, a CDC and a construction certificate?

A development application (DA) asks for development consent. A complying development certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward work. A construction certificate (CC) confirms the building plans match the consent and the Building Code of Australia, and is needed before building work starts.

Which one means work is about to start?

The construction certificate. NSW requires one before building or construction work starts on a DA approved job, so a CC lodged last week is usually the closest thing on the register to a start date. A CDC is also close, because it is the planning and construction approval in one.

Does a CDC job also need a construction certificate?

No. The NSW Planning Portal says a CC is not required for building work that is subject to a complying development certificate.

A construction certificate is issued by the council or a registered certifier. A complying development certificate can be issued by the council or an accredited certifier, usually within 20 days.

Guide for tradies · NSW

DA, CDC or construction certificate: which one means work is close?

A construction certificate means work is close. In NSW a construction certificate is needed before building work starts on a job with development consent, and a complying development certificate is the planning and building approval in one. A development application is the earliest stage: consent has only been asked for.

What is a development application (DA)?

A DA asks the consent authority, usually the council, for permission to carry out development. It is the earliest point a job shows up on the register, often months before a builder is on site, and some are refused. Last week 716 DAs were lodged across NSW.

What is a complying development certificate (CDC)?

The NSW Government describes complying development as "a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward development that can be determined through a fast-track assessment by a council or an accredited certifier". The standard assessment period is 20 days. A CDC job does not need a separate construction certificate, so it can move to site quickly. Last week 711 CDCs were lodged across NSW.

Source: NSW Department of Planning, Complying development, opened 30 September 2026.

What is a construction certificate (CC)?

The NSW Planning Portal says a construction certificate "confirms that your construction plans and development specifications are consistent with the development consent, as well as complying with the Building Code of Australia and council requirements", and that "before you start any building or construction work, you'll need to apply for a construction certificate". It is issued by the council or a registered certifier. Last week 588 CCs were lodged across NSW.

Source: NSW Planning Portal, Construction Certificate, opened 30 September 2026.

Which ones should a tradie letterbox first?

Construction certificatesThe job has consent and the plans are being certified: the build is close, and the owner is choosing trades now.
Complying development certificatesPlanning and building approval together, often a pool, a granny flat or a new home, and often quick to start.
Development applicationsEarly. A first flyer now, and a second when the same address lodges its construction certificate. The JustLodged dashboard flags that moment as a go back alert.

Queensland and the ACT

In Logan and on the Sunshine Coast, most homes are approved by a private building certifier, and those building approvals are lodged with the council; JustLodged lists them with Logan's new development applications. In the ACT the list is development applications lodged with the ACT Government.

Questions

What tradies ask about this list

What is the difference between a DA, a CDC and a construction certificate?: A development application (DA) asks for development consent. A complying development certificate (CDC) is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward work. A construction certificate (CC) confirms the building plans match the consent and the Building Code of Australia, and is needed before building work starts.
Which one means work is about to start?: The construction certificate. NSW requires one before building or construction work starts on a DA approved job, so a CC lodged last week is usually the closest thing on the register to a start date. A CDC is also close, because it is the planning and construction approval in one.
Does a CDC job also need a construction certificate?: No. The NSW Planning Portal says a CC is not required for building work that is subject to a complying development certificate.
Who issues them?: A construction certificate is issued by the council or a registered certifier. A complying development certificate can be issued by the council or an accredited certifier, usually within 20 days.

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Other areas and trades

Newcastle and the Hunter · Central Coast and Lake Macquarie · Western Sydney · Macarthur and south west Sydney · Illawarra · Northern Beaches · Canberra and Queanbeyan · Logan and the Sunshine Coast

New homes and granny flats · Townhouses and unit blocks · Extensions and renovations · Pools and spas · Patios, decks, carports and sheds · Roof and storm repair · Demolitions and knockdowns · Commercial and industrial