Development consent and approvals
Development projects with a capital value of more than $10 million are classified as a major project with approval sought through NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Development projects with a capital value of less than $10 million are generally classified as either Local, Complying or Exempt.
Approval for Local Development can be obtained from us.
A private certifier can be engaged to provide a certificate of compliance (Complying Development Certificate) for a Complying Development.
Exempt development is exempted from obtaining planning consent or a building approval. Some developments may also be classified as Designated or Integrated.
All forms and relevant documents in relation to development applications can be found in the Resource Centre.
Major projects
All developments with a capital value of >$10 million are to be declared a Major Project by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. More information can be obtained through NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
| Type of development | Criteria* | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Designated development | Development < $10 million Development is listed in Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000 | Breweries and distilleries, ceramic and glass industries, contaminated soil treatment works |
| Integrated development | Development < $10 million Development that requires a permit/approval from another government body as listed in Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 | Development requiring an Environmental Protection Licence from the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage Land-water interface development, such as wharfs, boat ramps etc., requiring approval from the NSW Department of Primary Industries |
| Local development | Development < $10 million Development that requires consent under Part 23 of the Environmental Planning Instrument State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 or other State Environmental Planning Policies Development that requires Fire Engineering safety measures Development that has a potential significant impact on the environment, including Heritage Items. | Significant alterations and additions to existing buildings, new buildings and new retail development |
| Complying development | Development < $10 million Development listed in an Environmental Planning Policy as Complying – e.g., State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 or under Part 23 of the State Environment Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 Development complies with pre-determined criteria The development meets the standards in the Building Code of Australia | Small to medium-sized alterations and additions, replacement of existing building identification signage |
| Exempt development | Minor and insignificant development that is exempt from obtaining Planning Consent or Building Approval Development listed in an Environmental Planning Policy as Exempt – e.g., State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 or under Part 23 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 Development has a minimal environmental impact Development is deemed to satisfy with the Building Code of Australia Development does not require Fire Engineering measures. | Minor landscaping works, repair of building items – painting, plastering etc., ancillary event development |
*Common conditions the applicant is required to meet, demonstrate compliance with or are constrained by.
Development application requirements
To assist in clarifying application requirements, you should prepare preliminary information and drawings of the proposed development. Prior to lodgement, you should discuss lodgement requirements with us to clarify as much as possible, including:
- which statutory planning requirements are relevant
- what assessment process will be adopted what development category applies (e.g., local, designated, integrated, complying, exempt etc.)
- identify the key issues that would need to be addressed
- any notification requirements
- declaration of any political donations, and
- expected timing of assessment and determination.
As a minimum, to lodge a development application, the following will be required:
- a completed application form
- legible and professionally drawn architectural, landscaping and/or engineering plans drawn to scale
- a detailed description of the proposal including an Environmental Impact Assessment (e.g., Statement of Environmental Effects report), and
- payment of any applicable fees in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
Development applications can be lodged in person or posted to:
Sydney Olympic Park Authority
Level 8, 5 Olympic Boulevard
Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127
Development application assessment time requirements
We will endeavour to process and determine Development Applications as diligently and efficiently as possible. However please note that the statutory time frames for development application 'deemed refusal' are set out in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, and include:
- Designated and Integrated development: 62 days
- Local development: 42 days
- Complying development: 10 days
E-Planning
Our development application tracking and information system allows you to monitor and track your development application and find out about recent development proposals at Sydney Olympic Park.
You can also use this system to write submissions on any development that is on exhibition for public comment.
Building certification services
A Construction Certificate and Occupation Certificate are required for all development that requires building work. Construction and Occupation Certificates essentially confirm that the development meets relevant technical criteria such as requirements of the Building Code of Australia, fire safety provisions, accessible access, work health and safety and conditions of development consent.
A Construction or Occupation Certificate may be issued by an accredited private certifier, but it can only be issued following Development Consent. There are no requirements for a Construction Certificate or Occupation Certificate for development categorised as an Exempt Development. For more information visit Building Certification Services.
Post-development application work-related approvals
Once planning approval has been obtained, work-related approvals may also be required. This includes work permits, road opening permits and construction hoarding permits. Permits and applications are found in the Resource Centre.
Political donations
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 requires the public disclosure of donations or gifts when lodging or commenting on development proposals. This law is designed to improve the transparency of the planning system. All donations or gifts must be declared at the time of lodgement or when making a submission (either an objection or in support). More information about Political Donation Guidelines.
For more information
For all planning and building enquiries, please call 02 9714 7145 or email planninginfo@sopa.nsw.gov.au.