Not always. In Sydney, minor internal work may be exempt development if it meets every applicable NSW requirement. Structural alterations, a change of use, an additional dwelling or heritage controls may instead require a complying development certificate (CDC) or development consent through a development application (DA). Confirm the pathway before work starts.
Exempt development does not need planning approval when all relevant standards are met. A CDC is a streamlined approval issued by a council or registered certifier. Proposals that do not qualify as exempt or complying development may require a DA through the local council.
What commonly affects the approval pathway?
Internal renovations need closer assessment when they involve:
- altering or removing a load-bearing wall
- changing the building’s use or National Construction Code classification
- creating a separate or additional dwelling
- adding an internal storey or converting a basement to living space
- changing required exits or fire-safety measures
- work on a heritage-listed property or where heritage controls apply.
Painting, replacing finishes and some non-structural alterations may be exempt, but indoor work is not automatically exempt. The proposal and property must satisfy all current planning requirements.
Do not cut into walls, floors or ceilings until structural elements and concealed electrical, gas and plumbing services have been identified. A structural engineer should assess structural changes. Licensed trades must isolate, alter or repair regulated services.
How to confirm the requirements
Check the complete scope of work and the property’s planning controls before engaging trades or starting demolition:
- List all alterations, including wall changes, new rooms, changed uses and relocated fixtures.
- Check zoning, heritage controls and current exempt or complying development provisions through the NSW Planning Portal.
- Ask the local council or a registered certifier for project-specific confirmation if the pathway is unclear. Consult a structural engineer about proposed structural work.
Planning approval does not remove separate requirements for regulated plumbing, drainage, electrical or building work. Water supply, sanitary plumbing and drainage work must be completed by an appropriately licensed plumber, with any required notices, inspections or certificates confirmed for the project.
If fixtures or drainage will be added or moved, our licensed Sydney plumbing team can assess the plumbing scope before construction starts.