Request a Fee Estimate

DA fees are calculated by having regard to, among other things, the estimated cost of development based on the current market value.

What work should be included in calculating a cost estimate?

• For development involving erecting a building, the consent authority must consider:

• the costs associated with constructing the building, and
• the costs associated with preparing the building for the purpose for which it is to be used (such as the costs of plant, fittings, fixtures and  equipment) 

• For development involving carrying out a work the consent authority must consider the construction costs of the work
• For development involving demolition, the consent authority must consider the costs of demolition If two or more fees are applicable to a single DA (such as an application to subdivide land and erect a building on one or more lots created by the subdivision), the maximum fee payable for the development is the sum of those fees (see clause 254 of the Regulation).

Who should estimate the costs of development prior to lodgement?

It is recommended that:

• for development up to $100,000, the estimated cost be estimated by the applicant or a suitably qualified person1, with the methodology used to calculate that cost submitted with the DA. 
• for development between $100,000 and $3 million, a suitably qualified person should prepare the cost estimate and submit it, along with the methodology, with the DA. 
• for development more than $3 million, a detailed cost report prepared by a registered quantity surveyor verifying the cost of the development should be submitted with the DA.

The NSW Government charges a levy on all building and construction works of $250,000 or more.

The levy rate is 0.25% of the cost of building and construction works (including GST).

The levy is paid into a fund administered by the Long Service Corporation (LSC). This fund pays long service to eligible building and construction workers.

Payment of this levy is required prior to issue of a Construction Certificate or a Complying Development Certificate and allows building work to proceed.

To pay this levy go to Long service levy - Building and Construction Industry.

Certain development applications require approvals from a NSW Government agency, before a determination can be made by the Council. This is called Integrated Development. 

If your application requires referral to another agency, you can refer the application directly to the agency on the NSW Planning Portal when you lodge your application.  Alternatively, if Council assess your development application and determine integrated referrals are required, we will contact you and let you know.

Integrated Development Fees for each individual agency referral are as follows:

• Council Administration Fee: $140
• Integrated Authority Fee: $320