Do You Need Council Approval for a Kitchen Renovation in NSW?

Council Approval for Kitchen Renovations in NSW

The good news: most kitchen and bathroom renovations in NSW are classified as Exempt Development — meaning no council approval required. However, there are situations where you'll need a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA).

When You Don't Need Approval (Exempt Development)

• You're not making structural changes (no wall removal, no new openings)
• The property is not heritage listed or in a heritage conservation area
• You're not changing the use of the room
• The renovation complies with the Building Code of Australia

When You Might Need a CDC or DA

If you want to remove a load-bearing wall (structural changes require a CDC or DA), your property is in a Heritage Conservation Area or is heritage listed, you're converting a room to a different use, or you're in an apartment and need strata approval (different from council approval).

How Prime Kitchen & Bath Handles This

We assess every project during the design phase and advise you on what approvals — if any — are required. Where a CDC is required, we manage the application through our certifier relationships. Where a DA is required, we work with your preferred town planner or recommend one.