Application Guide

All development applications and the majority of post consent certificates must be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal. Find out more about E-planning with City of Newcastle.

E-Planning

The NSW Planning Portal is an online platform where community, industry and government can work together to provide a digital experience that supports effective planning and decision making under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. 

Development Application Process

The development process can be a complex process. It is recommended that you utilise the services of professionals to assist you with the preparation of your plans and or application.

Development Types

Most developments are either Exempt Development, Complying Development or Local Development.

Exempt Development

Exempt or complying development is required to meet the prerequisite legislation. You or an accredited certifier must determine if your proposal meets either of these requirements.

Complying Development

Complying development must meet the predetermined development standards within a planning instrument. A Complying Development application can be determined by Council Certifiers or an Accredited Certifier.

Variations to Development Standards

Development standards may be contained in State Environmental Planning Policies or Local Environmental Plans. Development standards exist to provide a framework of limitations for anticipated development in an area.

Political Donations

Legislation has been introduced which requires every person submitting a development application to Council to disclose information about political donations and gifts.

Heritage Conservation

Own a heritage item or live in a heritage conservation area and need to know how to get consent to do an alteration or addition? Or perhaps need to do ground excavation works at your property which may disturb archaeology or Aboriginal objects?