Development Application Checklist

A complete and compliant Development Application is crucial for efficient approval processes in Australia. Our comprehensive DA Checklist ensures all required documentation and assessments are prepared to the highest standard, reducing assessment timeframes and minimising information requests.

Pre-lodgement Phase

Initial Research

• Zoning verification
• Development standards review
• Overlay controls check
• Pre-lodgement meeting notes
• Planning certificates obtained
• Site constraints identified
• Heritage status confirmed
• Easements and restrictions checked

Site Analysis

• Survey plan (registered surveyor)
• Site analysis diagram
• Shadow diagrams
• View analysis
• Site photos
• Streetscape analysis
• Context analysis
• Services investigation

Application Documentation

Core Documents

• DA Form (correctly completed)
• Owner’s consent
• Cost estimate report
• Title search (< 3 months old)
• Political donations disclosure
• Electronic copy of all documents
• Application fees calculated

Architectural Documentation

• Site plan
  • Site boundaries and dimensions
  • Setbacks to all boundaries
  • Building footprint
  • Site coverage calculation
  • Deep soil zones
  • Tree protection zones
  • Existing/proposed levels
  • Car parking layout
  • Waste management areas
• Floor plans
  • Internal layout
  • Room dimensions
  • Floor levels
  • GFA calculations
  • FSR/Plot ratio calculation
  • Accessible design compliance
  • BCA compliance notes
• Elevations
  • All elevations
  • Natural ground level
  • Overall height
  • External finishes
  • Window/door schedules
  • Privacy measures
  • Street presentation
• Sections
  • Multiple sections
  • Floor-to-floor heights
  • Ceiling heights
  • Roof pitch
  • Cut and fill
  • Relationship to neighbours

Technical Reports

Essential Reports

• Statement of Environmental Effects
  • Project description
  • Planning controls compliance
  • Environmental impacts
  • Social impacts
  • Economic impacts
  • Public interest assessment
• Waste Management Plan
  • Construction waste
  • Operational waste
  • Recycling provisions
  • Collection arrangements
• BASIX Certificate (NSW)
  • Energy targets
  • Water targets
  • Thermal comfort

Site-Specific Reports

• Geotechnical Report
  • Soil conditions
  • Groundwater assessment
  • Excavation methodology
  • Retention systems
• Traffic Impact Assessment
  • Traffic generation
  • Parking analysis
  • Access arrangements
  • Loading facilities
• Stormwater Management Plan
  • Drainage design
  • OSD calculations
  • Water quality measures
  • Flood assessment
• Landscape Plan
  • Plant schedule
  • Deep soil calculations
  • Tree protection
  • Public domain interface

Environmental Assessments

Standard Assessments

• Acoustic Report
  • Noise sources
  • Mitigation measures
  • Compliance assessment
  • Construction noise
• Solar Access Analysis
  • Shadow diagrams
  • Solar access compliance
  • Overshadowing impact
  • Natural light assessment

Special Requirements

• Heritage Impact Statement
  • Heritage significance
  • Conservation approach
  • Impact assessment
  • Mitigation measures
• Biodiversity Assessment
  • Flora and fauna
  • Impact assessment
  • Offset requirements
  • Management measures

Design Verification

Design Excellence

• Design verification statement
• Materials and finishes schedule
• 3D visualisations
• Photomontages
• Physical model (if required)
• Design review panel response

Compliance Verification

• BCA compliance statement
• Access compliance report
• Fire safety schedule
• Construction certificate requirements

Notification Requirements

Public Exhibition

• Notification plans
• A4 notification drawings
• Site notice details
• Neighbour notification list

Community Consultation

• Consultation strategy
• Community feedback
• Response to submissions
• Design modifications

State-Specific Requirements

New South Wales

• SEPP compliance statements
• ADG compliance table
• Schedule of BASIX commitments
• Section 4.6 variation (if needed)

Victoria

• ResCode assessment
• Better Apartments compliance
• Urban context report
• Design response

Queensland

• Planning scheme compliance
• Referral agency requirements
• Infrastructure charges estimate
• Properly made application checklist

Post-Lodgement Management

Tracking

• Application reference number
• Assessment timeline
• Information request deadlines
• Public notification periods

Response Management

• Information request register
• Response tracking
• Design modification log
• Condition compliance matrix

Additional Considerations

Construction Planning

• Construction management plan
• Site establishment plan
• Pedestrian management
• Traffic control plan

Stakeholder Management

• Authority consultation records
• Neighbour consultation notes
• Design team coordination
• Client approval checkpoints

This comprehensive checklist ensures thoroughness in DA preparation across all Australian jurisdictions. Regular updates maintain compliance with current requirements and best practices.