The relevant fees are outlined in Schedule 4 and Part 13 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021. Information on the planning and development fees that apply in the financial year 2026/27 can be viewed in the schedule of fees and charges. A consent authority also publishes their fees for planning and development services. Once you submit an application, the relevant consent authority will advise of the applicable fees.
Fees vary based on the type of application. Fees for development applications, for example, are based on the estimated cost of development. Additional fees also apply for giving public notice of a development and for certain types of development such as designated development, integrated development, threatened species development, Class 1 aquaculture development, and applications that require design review panel advice. Fees may include a planning reform services fee (PDF, 82 KB). NSW Planning Portal service fees may also apply.
Are there any other charges that apply?
Local infrastructure contributions are charged by councils when new development occurs. They help fund infrastructure like parks, community facilities, local roads, footpaths, stormwater drainage and traffic management. Speak to your council about the local contribution fees that may apply. Some development may also be required to pay a housing and productivity contribution.
The long service levy applies to building and construction works of $250 000 or more, which is required to be paid prior to the release of a construction certificate or complying development certificate. Further information on this levy is available on the Long Service Corporation’s website.
Why have fees changed for planning and development related services?
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 allows for the indexation of fees each year to reflect the consumer price index (CPI). This increase applies to fees contained in Schedule 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 that are based on fee units.
Updating the fee unit each year in line with CPI changes means that fees will better reflect the cost of providing planning services. Increases will be gradual and the Department will advise of the fee unit that will apply each financial year, following release of the CPI that applies. The fee unit for the 2026/27 financial year is $118.55.
