Answer:
The two most common council approval pathways are:

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

• Fast-tracked approval process (10–20 business days)
• Available for sites that meet strict planning and building rules
• Typically used for standard blocks with no significant overlays

Development Approval (DA)

• More detailed approval pathway (4–12 weeks or longer)
• Required if your site doesn’t meet CDC rules or is affected by overlays like bushfire, flooding, or heritage
• May involve environmental, neighbour, or engineering reports

Expandify conducts a Preliminary Site Feasibility Check (Prelim) with your council to assess which pathway is applicable and will guide you through either process. CDC is typically cheaper and faster, but not all sites qualify.