How Do I Get Development Approval (DA) for My Property in Australia? A Step-by-Step Guide

Chris Doolan
Nov 21
4 min read

Embarking on a property development journey in Australia, whether it's a small renovation that impacts zoning, a multi-unit residential project, or a large-scale commercial precinct, fundamentally requires one thing: Development Approval (DA). This crucial permission from your local council (and sometimes state government) is the legal green light that allows your vision to become a tangible reality.

Navigating the Development Application (DA) process in Australia can seem complex, as it involves understanding various layers of planning legislation and engaging with multiple expert consultants. However, by breaking it down into systematic steps, and with the right professional guidance, it becomes an achievable and well-managed pathway.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you typically get Development Approval for your property in Australia.

A male and female sitting at a boardroom table negotiating over town planning documents in Brisbane

Meet the Founder: Chris

My lifelong passion for construction led me to found CADDACorp after 25 years, driven by the joy of creating "homes." We embody excellence and collaboration, achieving industry awards. I empower my team and focus on client-centric, sustainable solutions for Australia's evolving market, aiming to redefine development. My visionary leadership, grounded by golf and family, ensures our clients' success.

The Australian Planning Framework: A Multi-Layered Landscape

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand the regulatory context:

State Legislation: Each Australian state and territory has its own primary planning Act (e.g., Queensland's Planning Act 2016) that sets the overarching framework for development assessment.
Local Government Planning Schemes/LEPs: Every local council (e.g., Brisbane City Council, Sydney councils) has a detailed Planning Scheme or Local Environmental Plan (LEP). These documents zone land, define permissible uses, density limits, building heights, design guidelines, and address local issues through specific codes and overlays (e.g., flood hazard, heritage).
Referral Agencies: Depending on the nature and scale of your project, your DA may need to be referred to various state government departments (e.g., Department of Transport and Main Roads - DTMR in QLD, or environmental agencies) for their input and conditions.

Successfully obtaining DA requires demonstrating that your proposed development complies with, or is an appropriate response to, these various layers of planning control.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Development Approval

Step 1: Initial Concept & Pre-Feasibility Assessment (The Groundwork)

What you do: Define your development vision, conduct preliminary market research, and identify potential sites.
Planner's Input: An experienced Town Planning Consultant can conduct an initial desktop review to identify the zoning, relevant overlays, and initial density/height controls. This preliminary assessment can flag 'fatal flaws' early, saving you from investing time and money in an unviable site.

Step 2: Detailed Feasibility & Due Diligence (The Deep Dive)

What you do: Thorough investigation into the site's development potential and constraints.
Planner's Input: The planner conducts an in-depth analysis of the relevant Planning Scheme, identifying all specific codes and overlays. They will advise on the correct application type (e.g., Material Change of Use (MCU), Reconfiguring a Lot (RAL)) and the likely assessment pathway (Code Assessable vs. Impact Assessable – see Step 5).

Step 3: Concept Design & Consultant Team Engagement (Shaping the Proposal)

What you do: Develop preliminary architectural designs that respond to your vision and the planning requirements.
Planner's Input: The town planner works closely with the architect to ensure the design aligns with planning codes related to setbacks, building bulk, car parking, and open space. This is the stage where pre-lodgement meetings with the local council are highly recommended, guided by your planner.

Step 4: Development Application Preparation (Compiling the Submission)

What you do: Produce all the detailed documents required for formal submission.
Key Roles: Your Town Planning Consultant takes the lead in coordinating the comprehensive package.
Contents of a DA: This includes a detailed Planning Report (justifying your proposal against planning codes), detailed architectural plans, engineering plans, landscape plans, specialist reports (e.g., traffic, environmental), and evidence of landowner consent.

Step 5: Development Application Lodgement & Assessment (The Council's Review)

What you do: Formally submit your prepared DA to the local council.
Assessment Pathways:
- Code Assessable: Assessed strictly against specific codes; typically faster and without public notification.
- Impact Assessable: Assessed against the entire Planning Scheme and broader 'public interest'; almost always requires public notification.
Information Requests (IRs): The Council may issue an IR seeking clarification. Your town planner will coordinate the professional response. The efficiency and expertise of your planner in managing this step can significantly affect the timeline, as we discussed in our last article, Can a Town Planner Help With Council Negotiations? Absolutely – They Are Your Essential Advocate
Referral Agencies: Council may refer the application to State Government agencies for input.

Step 6: Public Notification (for Impact Assessable Applications)

What you do: If your application is Impact Assessable, it enters a mandatory public notification period (typically 15-30 business days).
Planner's Role: Your Town Planning Consultant manages the process and advises on how to respond to any formal submissions or objections received during this period.

Step 7: Council Decision (Approval or Refusal)

What you do: Wait for the Council's determination. Your Town Planning Consultant will be actively negotiating with Council during this phase.
Approval with Conditions: The most common outcome. The approval will come with a list of specific conditions that must be met (e.g., design changes, infrastructure upgrades, payment of Infrastructure Charges). Your planner will meticulously review and negotiate these to ensure they are reasonable and achievable.
Refusal: Appeals rights are available (e.g., to the Planning and Environment Court).

Step 8: Post-Approval Management (Compliance & Next Steps)

What you do: Adhere to all DA conditions and progress to the next stages.
Next Steps: You'll likely need to apply for Operational Works (OW) Approval (for civil works) and Building Approval (BA) (from a private certifier, ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and your DA conditions).

CADDACorp: Your Expert Guide Through Development Approval

At CADDACorp, we specialise in guiding developers through every stage of the Development Approval process across Australia, with particular expertise in Queensland's unique planning framework.

Our integrated approach ensures that from initial Feasibility Modelling and Site Acquisitions & Due Diligence, through meticulous Town Planning Consultancy, strategic Architectural & Urban Design, and comprehensive Client-Side Project Management, every aspect of your project is aligned to secure efficient and favourable Development Approval.

We transform complexity into clarity, enabling your vision to become a legally permissible and commercially viable reality.

If you are embarking on a development project and need expert guidance to navigate Australia's Development Approval process, our experienced team is ready to assist. Reach out to CADDACorp to explore how our integrated development management services can empower your next venture.