Generally, there are three levels of local development: Exempt, Complying or Development Requiring Consent.

Exempt Development is minor development which result in a minor impact on the environment (e.g. fencing, small shed or low height landscape wall). Most properties are eligible but those parcels with constraints such as flood hazard or bushfire hazard or other restrictions will not qualify.

Complying Development is development with a moderate impact that may include the internal fit-out of a dwelling, commercial or industrial building or the construction of a new dwelling on a single lot.

Development Requiring Consent (commonly referred to as Development Application or “DA Required”) must address key Central Coast Council planning instruments for the former Gosford Local Government Area - Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 Interim Development Order Number 122 (Gosford)

For more information in regards to the attributes of your property, contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 463 954. Alternatively, refer to the mapping constraints.

Complying Development Certificates

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is approval appropriate for many types of minor or routine development which have not been specifically declared as exempt under the provisions of:

• State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007

Complying development is completed under a separate process to a development consent and construction certificate.

A property’s zoning will determine which code to use. Some properties are restricted from doing complying development due to certain attributes, such as high level bushfire prone areas, acid sulfate soils or particular environmentally sensitive zones.

A Principal Certifier (PC) will need to be appointed to monitor the works during construction. Council, or a private accredited certifier, can grant a CDC (and act for you in this regard).

For more information in regards to the attributes of your property, contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 463 954. Alternatively, refer to the mapping constraints.

Information you will need to submit:

• an explanation of the work proposed
• plans detailing the project (including a site plan, elevations, floor plans, parking arrangements, loading facilities, ground levels to be modified and drainage information)
• specifications for the work proposed
• demolition plan (where necessary), and
• existing and proposed fire safety measures (for the change of use of a commercial building)

A complying development certificate can only be issued if:

• the proposed development fully complies with the specific requirements and criteria, and
• complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979

More information:

The Building Professionals Board has information about consumers’ rights and responsibilities when building or subdividing land, as well as the important role of the Principal Certifier.

Civil Works Specifications

Provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of civil works in the Central Coast Council area including: pavements, paths, earthworks, drainage and sewerage systems.

• Civil Works Specification - Design Guideline
• Civil Works Specification - Construction Specification 
• Civil Works Specification - Standard Drawings

Fire Safety

Essential fire safety measures are items such as hose reels, hydrants, exit and emergency signs and lights, portable fire extinguishers, fire and smoke alarms.

A fire safety certificate is required if any of these measures were installed or applied to a building from 1 July 1988. Generally, the Building Code of Australia specifies in what parts and/or types of buildings the essential fire safety measures are required.

Council can require that the measures be installed in existing buildings, in a new building or addition, or if an application is made to change the use of an existing building. If they are required, Council will provide the owner with a schedule listing the items required and relevant maintenance standards.

What is a fire safety certificate?

A fire safety certificate indicates that fire safety measures have been installed and perform in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards.

The certificate must be lodged with Council by the building owner immediately on completion of the fire safety upgrading, development or building work, and before the new use is commenced and/or the building is occupied.

What is a fire safety statement?

An annual fire safety statement must certify that a properly qualified person - a licensed tradesperson or a specialised fire protection service company - has inspected the building and found that the measures are capable of performing to the relevant standard.

The certificate must be submitted to Central Coast Council on the anniversary of the fire safety certificate being issued. Building owners must ensure that fire safety certificates and statements are lodged with council. There are substantial penalties for failing to submit any statement or certificate by the due date.

Fire safety certificates and statements can only be signed by the owner or owner's agent and not the person performing the inspection.

Council charges a fee for processing this statement and an invoice will be forwarded in accordance with Council’s Fees and Charges.

Certificate display

The annual fire safety statement must be displayed in a prominent location in the building and a copy forwarded to NSW Fire and Rescue. These can be sent by email to afss@fire.nsw.gov.au.

Temporary Access

Residents may require temporary access through council land in order to get to their properties to undertake building works, special events and the like. Applications can be made online via the Parks and Reserves Temporary Access Application.

Due to the sensitive nature of some reserves, access may not be permissible on all occasions. Access may attract fees for the access itself, security deposit/remediation works and key access.

For more information on planning and development contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 463 954.

Guidelines and Specifications

Development Application Guide

Details what information you will be required to provide when preparing a Development Application (DA) for lodgement with Council.

Gosford City Centre Statement of Strategic Intent

Provides a roadmap for the revitalisation of the Gosford City Centre, ensuring planning controls are flexible and align with council's strategic directions and market conditions.

Building Over or Near Council Sewer and Water Mains Guidelines

Outlines Council’s requirements when a developer proposes to construct works near water or sewer mains in the former Gosford area. A fee applies where engineering plans are required to be assessed by the Water Authority

Managing Obstructions and Encroachments in Road Reserves

Council will maintain a safe passage for people and vehicles on public roads when obstructions and encroachments are placed even temporarily in road reserves. The guidelines also clarify council's responsibility as the roads authority for managing obstructions.

Water Cycle Management Guidelines

Provide explanations of the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and Water Cycle Management (WCM) elements as well as directions to the appropriate best practice design documentation.

Waste Management Plan Template