Development Application (DA)
A formal request for consent to carry out a development, submitted to the local Council or relevant consent authority.

Development Approval
The official consent granted by a planning authority to proceed with a proposed development, subject to conditions.

Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE or SoEE)
A report submitted with a DA explaining the environmental and planning impacts of the proposal and how they are managed.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
A comprehensive document required for designated or high-impact developments that assesses environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Planning Proposal
A request to change local planning controls (usually an LEP) to allow a specific form of development.

Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
A statutory document that guides land use and development within a local government area, setting out zoning and development standards.

Development Control Plan (DCP)
A non-statutory plan that supports the LEP by providing detailed planning and design guidelines.

Section 4.55 Modification
A request to amend an existing development consent, submitted under Section 4.55 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

Section 8.2 Review
An internal review by a consent authority of its previous decision on a DA, allowing the applicant to seek reconsideration.

Clause 4.6 Variation
A request to vary development standards in an LEP, typically where strict compliance is unreasonable or unnecessary.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
An evidence-based analysis evaluating the potential social impacts of a development on individuals, groups, and communities.

Baseline Social Profile
A snapshot of the existing social and demographic characteristics of a community, forming the foundation of an SIA.

Exempt Development
Minor developments that do not require approval or a DA, provided they meet specified criteria under State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).

Complying Development (CDC)
A fast-tracked approval process for straightforward developments that meet pre-set criteria in planning legislation.

Gateway Determination
A decision made by the Department of Planning allowing a Planning Proposal to proceed to public exhibition and further assessment.

SEARs (Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements)
A list of environmental and technical issues that must be addressed in an EIS for State Significant Development or Infrastructure.

Review of Environmental Factors (REF)
A document used by public authorities to assess environmental impacts under Part 5 of the EP&A Act (where an EIS is not required).

Operational Plan of Management (OPM)
A document detailing how a site or development will be managed to ensure ongoing compliance with conditions of consent.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
A planning and design approach aimed at reducing crime and increasing community safety through the built environment.

GIPA (Government Information Public Access) Request
A formal request for access to government-held information, often used to obtain historical Council records.

Building Information Certificate (BIC)
A certificate issued by Council confirming that an existing building is lawful or can remain as built—often used to regularise unauthorised works.

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
A fast-track approval for straightforward development that meets specific planning and building controls, combining planning and construction approval into one.

Preliminary Planning Review
An early-stage review assessing a site’s planning constraints and opportunities before lodging a formal development application.

State Significant Development (SSD)
Major developments considered to have state-level importance due to their size, nature, or impact—assessed under Part 4 of the EP&A Act and subject to SEARs.