How Long Does a DA Take in New South Wales?

Your Guide to Approval Timelines That Can Make or Break Your Project

Let’s get real — in development, time is leverage. And if you don’t know how long your Development Application (DA) could take in NSW, you’re flying blind.

Whether you’re building your next investment, renovating, or unlocking value in your land, knowing how the system works — and where delays can happen — helps you move faster, smarter, and with fewer surprises.

Standard DA Approvals in NSW: What You’re Really Working With

For most straightforward projects, your DA approval should take 40 days. But let’s not sugar-coat it — that’s the ideal scenario.

Here’s what can push timelines out:

• Incomplete or unclear documentation
• Public notification and objections
• Council workload and internal delays
• Requests for further information

Want to move faster?

• Submit a rock-solid application
• Understand your local council’s checklist
• Build relationships early with council planners

Integrated Development Applications (IDAs): When It Gets Complicated

If your project needs approvals from multiple government agencies, you’re in integrated development territory.

Think of it as a one-application, many-decision-makers scenario.

That might include:

• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
• Heritage Council
• Water authorities
• RMS / Transport NSW

And here’s the truth:

The more agencies involved, the longer it takes.

The assessment period is 60 days for a development application—

Timeline Range:

• Simple IDAs: As quick as 60 days
• Complex IDAs: Expect 60 days or more

If your development impacts the community, environment, or heritage — plan accordingly. Your patience and prep work will get tested.

State Significant Development Applications

The assessment period is 90 days for a development application (if additional information is not requested) —

Timeline Range:

• Simple State Significant Development: As quick as 90 days
• Complex State Significant Development: Expect 90 days or more

Real Projects. Real Timelines. Real Lessons.

Here’s what actually happens on the ground in NSW:

Example: Standard DA – Single Dwelling in Sydney

• Approval Time: ~40 days
• Why It Worked: Application ticked every box. No objections. Clear design.

Example: Integrated DA – Commercial Mixed-Use Development

• Approval Time: 60+ days
• Delays: Public submissions, heritage review, stormwater authority sign-off
• Lesson: Coordination across agencies takes time — and skill

These examples show what you’re really dealing with — and why preparation is your best insurance.

Bottom Line: Knowledge = Control

Navigating DA approvals in NSW doesn’t have to be overwhelming — but it does have to be strategic.

If you want to avoid months of delays, missed milestones, and cash burn, you need to:

• Understand the type of application you're submitting
• Build a realistic timeline from day one
• Work with people who know the system inside and out

The Winning Formula

In this game, success comes down to People. Product. Process.

That’s how you cut through the noise and get approved faster.

So if you’re ready to stop guessing and start building, don’t go it alone.

Zonal helps you win — before you ever break ground.