Lodge or modify (s4.30) a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

From 1 January 2021, Council only accepts online applications via the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE)’s ePlanning Portal.

Please do not post/lodge your hard-copy applications to Council.

Council as Accredited Certifier

Step 1.Create/log into your account

Register an account and apply your CDC via ePlanning Portal.

For help, refer to the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment’s Quick Reference Guides.

Step 2.Nominate Council

Nominate “Willoughby City Council” as the  nominated Accredited Certifier

Step 4.Review all application details and uploaded documents

Please note carefully the declaration statements you check in the checkboxes before submitting your application.

Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement email regarding your submitted application.

Important note: your submitted application via the Portal is NOT considered "formally lodged" until Council advises in writing via post/email or “accepts” it via the Portal and upon payment of application fees.

Step 5.Wait for Approval

Council will review your application.

Where the application is deemed compliant with the National Construction Code - NCC (Building Code of Australia - BCA), a Notice of Determination will be issued.

Step 6.Appoint your PC

Once your CDC has been issued and if you are ready to commence works, you will have to further appoint a Certifier (Council or Private) as the Principal Certifier (PC) to inspect the works. 

As a courtesy and part of your Notice of Determination package, Council attaches a draft PC Appointment & Service Agreement and Fee Proposal which includes:

To appoint Council as the PC, visit the ePlanning Portal and nominate “Willoughby City Council” as the PC.

You are also required to pay the following fees before the acceptance of your PC Appointment request:

  1. Council’s damage deposit and inspection fee (where applicable under Cl 136M of the EP&A Regulations); and
  2. Section 7.11 or 7.12 development contributions; and
  3. PC Appointment Fee, Occupation Certificate (OC) Fee (as advised by Council’s Fee Proposal provided to you)

Note: remember to upload your signed PC Appointment & Service Agreement and other documents as required by the checklist(PDF, 164KB) as part of your documentation.

Step 7.Notify Neighbours

Notify surrounding occupiers if a dwelling, additions, granny flat, boarding house or a swimming pool is proposed.

Step 8.Before Carrying out the Works

Before starting works, ensure:

  • works comply with Home Building Act requirements;
  • you display PC appointment signage, safety barriers, erosion control etc.

Carry out the works as required, ensuring mandatory inspections are carried out by the Certifier.

Step 9.Get an Occupation Certificate (OC)

Obtain an Occupation Certificate before you occupy the new part or whole of the building works. Council will commence to refund of any damage deposits (if applicable).

Private Accredited Certifier

Step 2.Appoint your PC

Once your CDC has been issued, you will have to further appoint a Certifier (Council or Private) as the Principal Certifier (PC) to inspect the works.

Step 3.Notify Neighbours

Notify surrounding occupiers if a dwelling, additions, granny flat, boarding house or a swimming pool is proposed.

Step 4.Carry out the Work

Carry out the works as required, ensuring mandatory inspections are carried out by the Certifier

Step 5.Get an OC

Obtain an Occupation Certificate before you occupy the new building