There are Three pathways in NSW for residential developments. Exempt Development, Complying Development and Development that requires Local council approval (DA).

1. Exempt Development:
   a. No approval required.
   b. Minimal impact on environment and amenity.
   c. Must comply with pre-set standards outlined in Part 2 Exempt Development Codes of The Codes SEPP
2. Complying Development:
   a. Complying Development Certificate (CDC) issued by a Certifier.
   b. Predictable environmental/amenity impacts.
   c. Must comply with pre-set standards and conditions outlined in the fast-tracked State
   Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008

   3.Development Consent
   a. DA consent issued by Local Council.
   b. Possible major environmental/amenity impact.
   c. Merit assessment under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment
   Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The Assessment is guided by the Local Environmental
   plans (LEPs) and the Local Development Control Plans (DCPs).