Applying for Development
If you're planning to build, renovate, subdivide, or undertake other works, you’ll likely need to lodge a Development Application (DA) or another type of approval via the NSW Planning Portal.
NSW Planning Portal
The NSW Planning Portal is an online platform developed by the NSW Government that brings together the community, industry, and councils to manage development applications and approvals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The Portal provides a central place to:
Lodge and track applications online, anytime and anywhere
Access digital planning services, mapping tools, and reporting tools
Improve transparency and accountability across the planning system
Reduce paperwork and speed up processing times
When to Use the Portal
From 1 July 2021, all planning and building applications to Council must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal, including:
Development Applications (DA)
Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
Construction Certificates (CC)
Applications to modify a Development Consent or a Certificate (DA, CC, CDC, SWC, SC)
Subdivision Works Certificates (SWC)
Subdivision Certificates (SC)
Activity approvals under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 (e.g. plumbing, drainage, stormwater, on-site sewage systems, heating appliances, caravan parks, camping grounds, manufactured home estates, and movable dwellings)
This way, residents, businesses, and developers can manage the full process of lodging and tracking applications online—making it simpler and more efficient.
How to Get Started with the NSW Planning Portal
Step 1 – Create an Account
Visit the NSW Planning Portal
Select Register and follow the prompts to set up your account (or log in if you already have one).
Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents
Before starting your application, make sure you have the required documents ready to upload.
Development Application (DA) Checklist
Construction Certificate (CC) & Complying Development (CDC) Checklist
Appoint a Principle Certifier (PC) Checklist
Section 68 Activity Approval Checklist
Occupation Certificate (OC) Checklist
Subdivision Certificate Checklist
Step 3 – Lodge Your Application
Log into the NSW Planning Portal
Select the type of application you are lodging (DA, CC, CDC, SWC, SC, etc.)
Upload your completed documents and plans
Pay the required fees online (if applicable)
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Log in
Open the NSW Planning Portal and sign in (or register if you’re new). Planning PortalStart a new application
From your Dashboard, Click New → Development Application (New DA, Mod, Review). Planning PortalEnter the site address
Search by Addressor Lot/Plan, set the Primary address, and (if prompted) enter Capital Investment Value (CIV). Click Submit to create your case (you’ll see a PAN reference). Planning PortalApplicant & owner details
Complete Applicant info, add Owner/s (and company ABN if applicable), and confirm any site access/security notes. Planning PortalApplication details
Select the Application type (DA, Modification, or Review), confirm the Site (planning controls will display), choose Proposed development type(s), write a clear Development description, add BASIX number(s) if required, and enter the Estimated cost. Planning PortalRelated planning information
Answer the on-screen questions about:
Integrated development (agency approvals)
Designated development / Threatened species
Any Clause 4.6 (or equivalent) development standard variations
Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA)
s68 approvals (you can initiate related s68 cases here)
10.7 Planning Certificate (you can initiate a related 10.7 case here)
Tree removal/pruning and heritage items
The Portal will create linked “related cases” where you choose to initiate them. Planning Portal
Payer details (fees)
Nominate the Payer. Council calculates fees and will contact the payer with payment instructions before accepting the application for assessment. (State DA fee estimates may show in-portal.) Planning PortalUpload required documents
On Requirements & uploads, attach your plans/reports and pick the correct Category for each file, then Attach. (Tip: keep filenames under 150 characters.) Planning PortalReview & declarations
Use Review and submit to check entries, complete the Declarations, then click Submit. Planning PortalWhat happens next
If you initiated s68 or 10.7in Step 6, finish those related cases under Active Work.
Council allocates an assessment officer; track progress and see updates in your Portal Dashboard. Planning PortalNSW Planning
Fee payment
Look out for the fee requestfrom Council (or state agencies for certain charges) and pay as instructed—applications can be rejected if fees are not paid. Planning PortalNSW PlanningRespond to Requests for Information (if asked)
If Council asks for more information, open the case from your Dashboard, use Actions → Provide Additional Information, upload the extra documents, and Submit your response.
Step 4 – Track Your Progress
Once lodged, you can track your application online through the Portal
You’ll receive notifications when updates, requests for additional information, or determinations are made
Once payment has been accepted, you will receive an automated confirmation email.
The application will then be allocated to an assessing officer and you will receive an acknowledgment containing the officer’s name and an application reference number.
Step 5 – Post-Approval Actions
If your application is approved, make sure to meet any conditions of consent
Apply for any follow-on certificates (e.g. Construction Certificate or Occupation Certificate) through the Portal
Need more information
Need more information regarding lodging your application, please contact Council on 02 6930 1800, email eplanning@coolamon.nsw.gov.au or visit our office at 55 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.