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How Long Does a DA Take in Blacktown, Hills and Penrith?

September 20, 2022 5 min read By Sarah Chen, Project Manager

DA processing times vary significantly between Western Sydney councils. If timing matters, choose your pathway accordingly.

Blacktown City Council

Standard single dwelling DA: 12 to 18 weeks. Generally pragmatic and fast. Heavy DA volume but well-staffed assessment teams.

Dual occupancy / duplex: 16 to 22 weeks (CDC pathway works for most blocks now, faster option).

Variations or design departures: add 4 to 8 weeks.

The Hills Shire Council

Standard single dwelling DA: 16 to 24 weeks. Tighter design controls in heritage and character precincts.

Dual occupancy: 20 to 30 weeks. CDC pathway not adopted for most R2 zones.

Heritage area: 24 to 36+ weeks.

Penrith City Council

Standard single dwelling DA: 12 to 18 weeks. Generally pragmatic.

Dual occupancy via DA: 16 to 22 weeks. CDC pathway available for many blocks.

Flood overlay or bushfire: add 4 to 8 weeks.

CDC pathway: same across all councils

The Complying Development Certificate pathway goes through a private certifier under State Environmental Planning Policy. Timeline 6 to 10 weeks regardless of council. The certifier confirms the design meets the SEPP envelope (height, setbacks, site coverage). Council does not assess.

How to read these timelines

The numbers above are from contract to formal approval issued. They include neighbour notification (where required), council assessor review, internal council referrals (stormwater, traffic, heritage), and any RFI (request for further information) cycles.

A first-time lodgement with no RFIs is typically at the lower end of the range. A lodgement with one RFI cycle is at the middle. A lodgement requiring design amendments and re-exhibition can take longer.

Need to know which pathway suits your project?

We assess CDC vs DA for every project before lodgement. Talk to us early to save weeks.

Book a Pre-Lodgement Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers

Blacktown and Penrith are generally fastest (12 to 18 weeks for standard residential DAs). The Hills Shire runs slower (16 to 24 weeks). Hornsby and Hawkesbury can be slower again. The CDC pathway via private certifier is faster than any council DA: 6 to 10 weeks typically.
Incomplete applications, missing supporting documents (BASIX, NATHERS, stormwater plan), neighbour objections, sites in heritage or bushfire overlays, design that exceeds LEP envelope (height, FSR, site coverage).
Submit a complete first-time application with all supporting documents. Use a builder familiar with the council. Comply with LEP and DCP without seeking variations. Pre-engage with the council assessor if you anticipate any non-standard elements.
Council DA fees are typically $3,500 to $7,500. CDC certifier fees are typically $2,500 to $4,500. The cost difference is small. The pathway choice should be driven by speed and design constraints, not fees.
Yes. The Christmas/New Year period (mid-December through mid-January) typically adds 3 to 4 weeks to active DAs. Plan lodgement timing to avoid this slowdown if possible.

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