Navigating the council approval process in the Southern Highlands can be one of the most confusing parts of a renovation. From our experience, most homeowners are worried about delays, hidden costs, and making a mistake. The key is to know which approval path your project will likely follow.

Understanding these paths is the first step to a smooth project, especially when Renovating in the Southern Highlands like Bowral, where special heritage and environmental zones are common.

Unsure where your project fits? Contact Our Team for clear, expert advice on managing the paperwork.

The 3 Approval Paths: Exempt, Complying (CDC) & DA Explained

When you plan a renovation in the Southern Highlands, your project will fall into one of three categories. First, it is helpful to know that the "Southern Highlands Council" is officially the Wingecarribee Shire Council; this is the local authority we work with. Your project's path depends on its size, location, and complexity.

Understanding which path your project fits into is the most important step in planning your timeline and budget. Getting this wrong can lead to major delays. We make it our job to identify the correct pathway from our very first site visit.

Exempt Development: Can You Build Without Approval?

"Exempt development" means you can perform minor work without any council approval. This is often what homeowners hope for, but the rules are very strict. These projects must not have a significant environmental or residential impact.

This path typically covers cosmetic internal work, like repainting or replacing a kitchen sink (without moving plumbing). For external work, it might include a very small deck, fence, or garden shed, but only if it meets all the size, height, and location restrictions outlined in the state policy.

Complying Development (CDC): The Fast-Track Option

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a fast-track approval for common, low-impact projects. It is a great option if your project, like a new deck, extension, or carport, fits the "black and white" rules of the state-wide code.

Instead of a full DA, a CDC application is assessed by a council or private certifier against the "Codes SEPP." If your project meets every single requirement, it can often be approved much faster than a DA. The specific rules are in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Codes SEPP) 2008.

The Full DA: When You Need a Development Application

A Development Application (DA) is the most well-known path and is required for most significant home renovations. You will almost certainly need a DA for projects that are structural, change the home's footprint, or don't meet the strict CDC rules.

This applies to structural changes like knocking down load-bearing walls, major extensions, garage conversions, or any work on a heritage-listed property. The DA is lodged via the NSW Planning Portal and assessed by the Wingecarribee Shire Council. You can track the progress of DAs (yours or others) on the council's Application Tracker. This process covers most of Our Building Services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most common questions we get about council approvals.

What happens if I build a deck or pergola without approval?

If you build without the required approval, the Wingecarribee Shire Council can take action. This can include issuing a "stop-work" order, large fines, or even an order to demolish the structure, which is a financially devastating outcome. It is never worth the risk.

How do I know if my property is in a heritage or bushfire-prone area?

The Wingecarribee Shire Council has maps and online tools to check. You can also access this information via the NSW Planning Portal. When we quote a project, this is one of the very first checks we do, as it is critical for determining the correct approval path.

Why is it better to have Hessie Homes manage the council approval?

Having an experienced builder manage your approval saves you significant time, stress, and costly errors. We understand the council's technical language, know what documents are required, and can liaise with the certifiers and planners on your behalf. This is a key part of Our Building Process.

Conclusion

Navigating council approvals is a critical step in any renovation journey. Whether your project is exempt, complying, or requires a full DA, understanding the rules upfront prevents costly delays. As local builders, we manage this entire legal process for our clients to ensure a smooth build.

If you are ready to discuss your project, contact us today to get started.