Do I need a survey for a DA or CDC? In many cases, yes. If you are planning a new home, extension, granny flat, duplex or other development, an accurate land survey can be an important part of preparing your plans and supporting your application.
For projects in Wollongong and across the Illawarra, the exact documents required will depend on the development, the site and whether you are applying through a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Wollongong City Council advises that a site survey may be required for a DA depending on the proposal, while a CDC application requires a site plan and other supporting documents, with the certifier able to request additional information where needed.
What type of survey is usually needed for a DA or CDC?
For many residential projects, the starting point is a Detail & Contour Survey. This gives your architect, building designer or engineer an accurate picture of the existing site before they begin designing the proposed development.
A detail and contour survey can show information such as:
- existing buildings and structures
- any encumbrances affecting your land (such as stormwater easements)
- ground levels and contours
- fences and visible occupation
- trees and significant site features
- driveways, kerbs and nearby road features
- visible services and infrastructure
- features on adjoining land where relevant to the design
This information helps the designer prepare plans that respond to the actual shape, levels and features of the property rather than relying on approximate information.
What is the difference between a DA and a CDC?
Development Application (DA)
A DA is assessed by the relevant consent authority, usually the local council, against the planning controls that apply to the site and the proposed development. The amount of information required can vary depending on the type and location of the development.
For Wollongong projects, Council states that the information required depends on the proposal and that a site survey may be one of the documents needed. Your architect, planner or designer will usually confirm the survey information required before lodgement.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
A CDC is a fast-tracked approval pathway for development that meets the relevant complying development standards. It can be assessed by Council or a registered certifier.
CDC applications require plans and supporting documents that demonstrate the proposal satisfies the applicable standards. An accurate survey can be important where the design relies on site levels, setbacks, building position, existing structures or other site constraints.
It is important to remember that not every property or project will qualify for CDC. If the proposal does not satisfy the relevant complying development requirements, a DA may be required instead.
Do I need the survey before my architect or designer starts?
In most cases, it is a good idea to organise the survey early. Your architect or building designer can then work from reliable site information from the beginning of the design process.
Starting with accurate survey information can reduce the risk of plans being prepared around incorrect levels, assumed positions or missing site features that later need to be corrected.
What happens after the DA or CDC is approved?
Once the project is approved and construction is ready to begin, another type of survey may be required. A Construction Set-Out Survey is used to transfer the approved design onto the ground so the builder can position the proposed works correctly.
This may include setting out building corners, grid lines, offsets or other reference marks for construction. Depending on the project, additional surveys may also be required during or after construction.
Does every DA or CDC require a land survey?
No. The exact requirements depend on the property and the proposed development. A simple project may have different requirements to a new dwelling, major extension, duplex or secondary dwelling.
The best approach is to confirm the required survey information with your architect, building designer, planner, council or certifier before lodging the application. If they ask for a detail survey, contour survey, boundary survey or set-out survey, AIM Surveying can help determine the appropriate surveying scope.
Planning a DA or CDC in Wollongong or the Illawarra?
AIM Surveying provides land surveying services for homeowners, builders, architects and developers across Wollongong, the Illawarra and surrounding areas.
If you are preparing a DA or CDC and are unsure what type of survey you need, send us the property address and a brief description of the proposed works. We can review the surveying requirements and provide a quote for the appropriate service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an old survey for a new DA or CDC?
Possibly, but it depends on how old the survey is, what it shows and whether the property has changed since it was completed. Your designer or certifier may require updated information before relying on it.
Is a detail survey the same as a boundary survey?
No. A detail survey records the physical features and levels of the site. A boundary survey is focused on determining or marking the legal property boundaries. Some projects may require both.
Do I need a survey for a granny flat?
A survey is commonly used for granny flat and secondary dwelling design because the designer needs accurate information about the site, including levels, existing structures and the proposed building location. The exact requirements will depend on the property and the approval pathway.
When should I contact a surveyor?
Ideally, before detailed architectural plans are prepared. Providing accurate survey information early gives the design team a reliable base to work from and can help avoid unnecessary redesign later.