CDC Landscape Plans in Sydney | Landscape Resolved

Complying development and landscaping

Complying development is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward proposals that meet set standards. It can be determined by a council or a registered certifier. It is available only where the proposal and the land meet the applicable code requirements. See the NSW planning approval pathways.

The codes include landscaping standards. For example, the Housing Code sets a minimum landscaped area alongside height, floor area and setback standards. Because a CDC relies on meeting the standards, the landscape documentation needs to show compliance clearly for the certifier.

What we prepare

Landscape plans that demonstrate the relevant landscaping standards, coordinated with the architectural plans and set out clearly for certifier review and construction.

If you are not sure whether your project can follow the CDC pathway, say so in your enquiry. We can review the landscape side; eligibility itself should be confirmed with your certifier.

Depending on your project and the agreed scope, the drawings can set out the landscape layout, proposed planting, relevant landscape areas, paths and surface treatments, and notes needed to explain the proposal. The plan needs to match the current building footprint and site information.

There is no single landscaping percentage to apply to every CDC project. Confirm the applicable code and standards with your certifier rather than relying on a figure from another site’s approval.

Information to send for a CDC enquiry

Include the site address, the proposed works, current architectural plans and an available survey. Tell us who the certifier is, whether the approval pathway has been confirmed, and which landscape information has been requested.

Send the actual certifier correspondence and identify the current drawing revision. If the architectural layout is still changing, explain what is unresolved so the landscape documentation can be coordinated at the right stage.

Use the project preparation checklist for file guidance. You can start an enquiry before every document is ready; tell us what you have and what is missing.

Keeping the certifier and design team aligned

A change to the building, driveway or outdoor layout can affect the landscape plan. Share revised plans and any certifier comments so the landscape response stays aligned with the wider drawing set.

Landscape Resolved coordinates the landscape documentation with your architect, builder, planner or certifier. The certifier assesses the application, and other specialist reports remain separate from the landscape drawing scope.

Scope, fees and DA alternatives

Send your current plans and submission timing so we can discuss documentation scope, fees and timing. The amount of work depends on the site, available information, design revisions and the requirements that need to be demonstrated.

If the proposal does not qualify for complying development, a DA landscape plan may be relevant to a development application instead. Confirm the pathway with your certifier, planner or council before treating a CDC as available. We do not guarantee that a certificate will be issued.

Common questions

Do I need a landscape plan for a CDC?

It depends on the code, the proposal and your certifier. Where landscaping standards apply, the application needs to show they are met. Send your project details and any certifier correspondence and we’ll review what is needed.

Can you work with my certifier?

Yes. We coordinate with your certifier, architect, builder or planner to keep the landscape documentation aligned with the rest of the application.

Can you guarantee the CDC will be issued?

No. We prepare and coordinate the landscape documentation. The certifier determines the application.

What percentage of my site must be landscaped?

There is no universal percentage for every CDC. The applicable code, site and proposal determine the standards. Confirm the requirements with your certifier and provide the current plans for the landscape documentation review.

How much does a CDC landscape plan cost?

Fees depend on the site, available plans, documentation scope and coordination needs. Send the current drawings and certifier requirements so we can discuss the fee and documentation timing.

Where do you work?

We work across Sydney and regional NSW. We visit sites across Sydney. For regional projects, including the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Blue Mountains and Hunter, we can prepare the documentation remotely from your plans, survey and site photos.

Have plans ready, or not quite?

Send what you have. We’ll review the brief and discuss the landscape documentation your project needs. See the project preparation checklist or DA landscape plans.

Enquire about your project

Landscape Resolved · Sydney and NSW. Guidance reviewed 3 October 2026 against the linked NSW Government sources. Requirements depend on the site, the approval pathway and the council or certifier.