When it comes to renovating or building a home, most people spend their time dreaming about finishes, layouts, and how they’ll use the space – not about council approvals.

But the approval process is where reality bites for many homeowners. Unfortunately, misunderstanding the rules (or worse, trying to bypass them) can lead to delays, extra costs, and even legal issues that overshadow your dream project.

Let’s break down the most common misconceptions we see about the CDC (Complying Development Certificate) and DA/CC (Development Application & Construction Certificate) processes, and why getting this right is critical.

Misconception 1: “CDC is the fast-track approval for everyone.”

Reality: CDC is often marketed as a quicker, simpler approval process – and it can be. But CDC has strict, non-negotiable criteria set by the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).

If your project doesn’t tick every box – whether it’s setbacks, height limits, site coverage, bushfire risk, or flood zoning, you cannot proceed with a CDC.

Consequence:

If you can’t meet all the requirements of the Complying Development SEPP you will need to go to Council and complete a DA Application.

Misconception 2: “I can start building while I sort out my approvals.”

Reality: Absolutely not. No construction should commence until the correct approval is in place, whether that’s via CDC or DA/CC.

We’ve seen situations where homeowners have started demolition or construction assuming approval would follow – only to be served with Stop Work Orders, penalties, and instructions to undo completed work.

Consequence:

This can mean legal action, hefty fines, rectification costs, and in extreme cases, even having to demolish non-compliant work. It also creates issues for insurance claims, property sales, and compliance certificates.

Misconception 3: “DA approval means I can build whatever I want now.”

Reality: DA approval is just one step. It’s essentially the council saying “yes” to your proposed design subject to conditions. You still need a Construction Certificate (CC) to ensure the technical details meet building codes and regulations.

People often think once they have DA approval, they can change elements of the design without consequence – this isn’t true. If you want to change what has been approved you need to do a 4.55 Application (which is a modification to the original approval).

Consequence:

Building works that differ from the approved DA or CC can result in compliance action, refusals to issue Occupation Certificates, and legal headaches if you go to sell or refinance your home.

Misconception 4: “I can just figure It out as I go.”

Reality: This is perhaps the biggest trap for homeowners.

Every site is different – flood zones, bushfire overlays, heritage controls, and environmental restrictions all impact what’s possible. Assuming you can design first and “worry about approvals later” can derail your project completely.

Consequence:

You could spend thousands on designs that are impossible to approve. Or worse, you might discover mid-project that additional reports, consultants, or redesigns are needed – blowing your budget and schedule.

The Bottom Line: Seek expert advice early

Trying to navigate council approvals on your own might seem like a cost-saving measure, but in most cases it’s a false economy.

Architects do far more than design beautiful spaces. We assess the feasibility of your project, understand local and state planning rules, manage risk, and guide you through the right approval process from the very start.

Ready to renovate the right way but not sure where to start?

Don’t let planning approvals become the nightmare of your renovation story.

At Ruth Newman Architect, we can guide you through the process, minimise the risks, and design a home that not only meets your needs but also gets approved.

Contact us today for a conversation about your renovation plans. We’ll help you avoid the pitfalls and move forward with confidence.