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Free Project Approval Pathway Checker
Not sure whether your project needs DA, CDC or Construction Certificate help?
Before you spend money on full plans, consultants or approval fees, it makes sense to get a realistic first view of the likely approval pathway.
Answer a few quick questions about your property, your project and where things currently stand. You’ll get an initial pathway indication, and we’ll manually review the details before coming back to you with realistic next steps.
- Check whether DA, CDC or CC support may be required
- Identify obvious approval red flags early
- Understand whether your project needs manual review
- Get a plain-English follow-up from JJ Drafting
This tool does not replace formal planning advice. It is a fast first filter before you spend serious money.
Start your pathway check
Fill in the details below and we’ll review the likely approval direction for your site.
Do I Need DA, CDC or CC?
Quick triage tool for a DA, CDC or CC?
How the approval pathway checker works
Tell us about the property
Enter the site address, suburb, basic site details and any known constraints such as slope, trees, bushfire, flood or heritage issues.
Tell us what you are trying to do
Let us know whether you are planning a renovation, addition, new home, granny flat, dual occupancy, pool, internal alteration, change of use or whether work has already started.
Get an initial pathway view
Based on your answers, the checker provides an early indication such as likely DA, likely CDC, likely CC / post-consent step, possible illegal works issue or needs manual review.
We manually review your details
We then look at the property in more detail and email you a short plain-English summary of what looks realistic and what the next step is likely to be.
Why project pathway checking matters
Many projects go wrong early because nobody stops to ask the right first question:
What is the most likely approval path for this site and this type of work?
The wrong assumption at the start can lead to wasted drawings, unnecessary consultant costs, delays, approval problems and redesign.
Common issues we see
- Owners assuming a project can go through CDC when the site has obvious constraints.
- Projects moving into design before the likely approval pathway has been checked.
- People already holding approval but not understanding that the next step is Construction Certificate or certifier coordination.
- Owners discovering too late that work has already started without the right approvals.
A simple up-front pathway check can save time, money and a lot of wasted effort.
What this tool checks — and what it does not
It checks the big picture
- Project type and project status
- Whether work has already started
- Whether you already have DA, CDC or other approval
- Known site factors such as slope, trees or constraints
- Whether DA, CDC, CC or manual review may be more realistic
- Your goals, timing and next-step urgency
It does not replace full advice
- It does not guarantee Council or certifier approval
- It does not confirm exact setbacks, height, floor area or compliance
- It does not replace a survey, planning assessment or consultant report
- It does not give legal advice on illegal or unapproved works
“What is the most likely next direction for this project?”
Who this approval pathway checker is for
This tool is designed for:
- Homeowners planning a renovation, addition, granny flat, new home or pool.
- Property owners and investors wanting to know whether a site looks straightforward, constrained or worth investigating further.
- Owners with existing approvals who need help understanding the next step before construction starts.
- Owners with possible illegal or unapproved works who need a realistic first view before going further.
We regularly assist clients across the Northern Beaches, North Shore and wider Sydney. If your suburb is not listed in the form, select the closest option or choose Other / Not sure and we will still review your site.
Why use JJ Drafting for approval and drafting support?
JJ Drafting has been helping Sydney property owners with residential drafting, approvals and documentation since 2000.
We can help with
- Concept design and drafting
- DA and CDC documentation
- Construction Certificate support
- As-built and regularisation documentation
- Coordination with certifiers, engineers and other consultants
Why it matters
Because residential drafting and approvals are what we deal with every day, we can often spot red flags early and steer people toward realistic options instead of guesswork.
What happens after you submit the checker?
- You will see an initial result on-screen.
It will indicate the most likely direction based on your answers, such as likely CDC, likely DA, likely CC / post-consent step, possible illegal works issue or needs manual review. - We review the project manually.
We check the site details, broad project type and obvious issues that may affect the likely pathway. - We email you a short opinion.
You receive a plain-English summary of what looks most realistic and what the next step is likely to be. - You decide what to do next.
There is no obligation. If the project looks worth pursuing, we can then discuss feasibility work, concept design, drafting or approval documentation.
FAQs — DA, CDC and CC in NSW
Does this checker tell me with certainty whether I need DA or CDC?
No. It gives you an initial indication based on the answers you provide. Final pathway advice depends on the site, the proposed design, planning controls, consultant input and the exact details of the project.
Can I use this checker if I already have approval?
Yes. If you already have a DA, CDC or another approval and you are unsure what comes next, the checker can still help point the matter in the right direction.
What if work has already started?
You should still use the checker. If your answers suggest there may be an illegal works or as-built issue, we can review the situation and outline what the next step may need to be.
Do you only work in the Northern Beaches and North Shore?
No. We do a lot of work in those areas, but we also assist property owners across wider Sydney.
Can JJ Drafting help if the project looks viable?
Yes. If the project looks worth pursuing, we can then discuss concept design, drafting, approval documentation and the next practical step.
What is the difference between DA, CDC and CC?
A Development Application is assessed by Council. A Complying Development Certificate is an approval pathway for eligible complying development. A Construction Certificate is generally a post-consent step required before building work can start after DA approval.
Project Approval Pathway Checker — Terms & Disclaimer
The JJ Drafting Project Approval Pathway Checker is a preliminary triage tool designed for general information and early project direction only.
Results provided on-screen or by email are based on the information supplied by the user and a high-level review. They do not constitute a formal planning certificate, legal advice, final planning advice or a guarantee of approval from Council, a private certifier or any approval authority.
Final approval pathways are subject to detailed review of the site, current planning controls, title information, surveys, consultant input and the final proposed design. JJ Drafting recommends a formal project review before committing to construction contracts, consultant fees or major design costs.
Start with the checker before spending serious money.
Use the Project Approval Pathway Checker above, then watch for our follow-up email with the likely next direction for your project.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 1300 977 804 or 0414 71 75 41.
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