You’ve got an idea – a shed, tiny home, extension or new build. This is where you get clear on what you want to do on your land.

You or your planning professional submit your DA to council’s online portal, pay the fees and receive your DA number. Your application is now officially in the system.

Council decides to approve (usually with conditions), defer or refuse your DA. We can help you understand the decision and your options.

Once all work and inspections are complete, you receive final approval (such as an Occupation Certificate or Final Certificate) so you can legally and safely use or move into your new space.

We check the rules for your property and explain, in plain English, if you need a DA, a simpler approval, or no approval at all.

Council reviews your paperwork and may ask for more information. This is normal. Clear answers and good prep help keep things moving.

After DA approval you may still need building approvals (like a Construction Certificate or Building Permit) and engineering plans before work starts.

Start to pull together the plans, reports and documents council will expect. You can contact a planning professional to help, or DAplanningmate.com.au is here to make sure your DA is clear, complete and less likely to be delayed.

Council may notify neighbours and consult other specialists (for example heritage, bushfire or flooding). Not every project needs this, but many do.

Your builder constructs the project in stages. Mandatory inspections (for example footings, frame and final) are carried out to make sure the work meets approval and safety standards.