Minns Government's reforms leading to faster approvals
Councils that improve their assessment timeframes will have access to a share of $200 million in infrastructure funding under the Minns Labor Government’s Faster Assessment Incentive program.
Grant programs
We're supporting local councils to enhance Sydney's tree canopy through new tree planting projects.
Complying development
Complying development is an approval for straightforward development. It can be determined through a fast-track assessment by a council or certifier.
Exempt development
Exempt development is very low impact development that can be done for certain residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Development assessment
Infrastructure and other developments like housing require approval from a council, a Regional Panel, a Sydney planning panel or the Minister for Planning.
State significant development
The Rapid Assessment Framework for state significant development (SSD) and state significant infrastructure (SSI) streamlines the assessment of major projects.
Local development
Local development is the most common type in NSW, with projects ranging from home extensions to medium sized commercial, retail and industrial developments.
Delegated decisions
The Minister for Planning has delegated his power to make a number of decisions to senior officers of the department.
Planning approval pathways
There are 9 different planning approval pathways in NSW. The size and scale of the development will determine which of the assessment pathways is appropriate.
Projects
The department has an important role in assessing and determining proposals for major developments in NSW, including public exhibition.