CDC vs DA: What’s the Difference When It Comes to Landscape Plans?
Updated: Aug 26
In the world of residential and small-scale development, terminology can often slow down a project. If you’re an architect, designer, or developer, you’ve likely been asked by clients to “just get the plans through council.” However, the path to approval hinges on whether your project requires a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). When it comes to landscape plans, the requirements can vary significantly.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your projects moving—and your overheads under control.
Understanding Development Applications (DA)
A Development Application (DA) is a formal request to the council seeking consent to carry out development. It applies to projects that fall outside the streamlined CDC pathway, often due to:
Heritage considerations.
Sensitive environmental zones.
Complex designs or larger-scale developments.
For DAs, councils typically require a comprehensive landscape plan. This may include:
Planting design and species schedules.
Deep soil zone compliance.
Tree protection measures.
Integration with stormwater management.
Coordination with the architectural DA set.
Each council has its own Development Control Plan (DCP), so requirements can vary. However, the expectation is that landscape drawings are detailed, legible, and demonstrate compliance with local policy.
Exploring Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) offers a faster, more streamlined approval pathway. It allows certain types of development to bypass a full council DA if they meet pre-set standards defined by the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
For CDCs, landscape requirements are often less onerous, but they still matter. Typical inclusions might be:
Site plan showing existing and proposed planting.
Basic compliance with private open space and site coverage controls.
Demonstration of setbacks from structures such as pools, fences, or boundaries.
While not as detailed as DA requirements, poorly prepared landscape documentation can still delay a CDC—especially if certifiers flag non-compliance.
Key Differences in Landscape Documentation
Understanding the differences between DA and CDC landscape documentation is crucial for efficient project management. Here are the key distinctions:
Detail Level: DA plans are more detailed, often requiring input from a registered landscape architect. In contrast, CDC plans are generally lighter but still need to demonstrate compliance.
Assessment Body: DAs are assessed by local councils, which may have specific greening strategies and biodiversity targets. CDCs are certified by accredited private certifiers against fixed SEPP standards.
Risk of Delays: A DA can be delayed if landscape plans are vague or non-compliant with the DCP. Conversely, a CDC can stall if certifiers aren’t confident that landscaping requirements are met.
Managing Overheads and Budgets
For studios, the challenge lies in knowing when to invest in detailed landscape documentation and when to keep things lean. Bringing a landscape architect on staff isn’t always viable, especially if your project pipeline fluctuates.
This is where outsourcing becomes a sensible option:
DA Submissions: Engage a freelance landscape architect to prepare or review your full DA landscape package. This upfront investment can help avoid costly council requests later.
CDC Submissions: Utilize streamlined, compliant landscape drawings prepared quickly by external support—allowing your internal team to focus on core design work.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Landscape Support
Outsourcing landscape support can provide numerous benefits for your studio. It allows for flexibility in managing workloads, ensuring that you can respond to project demands without the burden of permanent staff.
Cost-Effectiveness: By outsourcing, you can access high-quality landscape architectural services without the overhead costs associated with hiring full-time employees.
Expertise on Demand: Freelance landscape architects bring specialized knowledge and experience, ensuring that your landscape plans meet all necessary requirements.
Focus on Core Competencies: With external support, your team can concentrate on design and innovation, enhancing the overall quality of your projects.
How Place Supply, Landscape Architect Sydney Can Help
At Place Supply, Landscape Architect Sydney, we specialise in freelance landscape architectural support for studios across Australia. Whether it’s a quick CDC compliance plan or a fully coordinated DA landscape package, we deliver:
Drawings tailored to the specific approval pathway.
Coordination with your architectural or engineering documentation.
A cost-effective alternative to hiring in-house.
👉 If your studio is balancing lean budgets with the pressure to deliver approvals fast, outsourcing your landscape plans could be the smartest way to stay ahead.
By leveraging our expertise, you can ensure that your projects progress smoothly while managing costs effectively. We are here to support your studio's needs and help you thrive in the competitive landscape architecture industry.
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In conclusion, understanding the nuances between DAs and CDCs is essential for successful project management. By making informed decisions about landscape documentation and considering outsourcing options, you can streamline your processes and focus on delivering exceptional designs.
For more information on how we can assist your studio, feel free to reach out. Together, we can navigate the complexities of landscape architecture and ensure your projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
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