Prepare a cost summary report to submit with your development application

What you need to do

1. Prepare a cost summary report

   Download the appropriate report below based on the estimated cost of works.

   • $0 to $150,000: A cost summary report prepared by the applicant or a suitably qualified person.
   • $150,000 to $3 million: A cost summary report prepared by a suitably qualified person.
   • Over $3 million: A registered quantity surveyor’s detailed cost report verifying the cost.

2. Lodge with your development application

   The cost summary must be submitted on lodgement of the development application.

What you need to do

1. Get advice

   Customer service centre staff can provide advice on which fees apply to your DA.

2. Check fees and charges

   You can read our fees and charges are available online and at our customer service centres.

3. Check if advertising notification fees apply

   Be sure to ask if yours is one of the many applications which will also require payment of an advertising notification fee.

Which form to use?

If the estimated cost of works are:

• $0 to $150,000: A cost summary report, available for download, must be submitted on lodgement of the development application which is prepared by the applicant or a suitably qualified person*.
• $150,000 to $3 million: A cost summary report, available for download, prepared by a suitably qualified person* must be submitted on lodgement of the development application.
• Over $3 million: A registered quantity surveyor’s detailed cost report, available for download, verifying the cost must be submitted on lodgement of the development application.

In the case of development which exceeds $40 million in cost, it is imperative that an accurate estimate is provided at the development application stage as this will determine the correct consent authority.

After you finish 

• We’ll request payment of your fees after we review your application. 
• The application will only be lodged once payment is received.

Integrated developments attract additional fees which are requested by the relevant authority, such as Road and Maritime Services, after your application has been accepted and lodged by the City. This is done through the NSW Planning Portal.

Before you start

A fee applies to most development applications.

Our fees and charges are available online and at our customer service centres.

Many applications also require payment of an advertising notification fee.

Customer service centre staff can provide advice on which fees apply to your DA. 

Estimated costs of works

The development application fee is based on the estimated cost of development and the cost incurred if a contractor carries out the works. The cost incurred does not apply to an owner-builder carrying out the works.

The following are examples of items to include in the development cost:

• Preliminaries: scaffolding, hoarding, fencing, site sheds, delivery of materials, waste management.
• Internal fit out: flooring, wall finishings, fittings, fixtures and bathrooms.
• Demolition works: including cost of removal from the site and disposal.
• Professional fees as part of the design: architect’s and consultant’s fees.
• Site preparation: clearing vegetation, decontamination or remediation.
• Excavation or dredging: including shoring, tanking, filling and waterproofing.
• Internal services: plumbing, electrics, air conditioning, mechanical, fire protection, plants and lifts.
• External services: gas, telecommunications, water, sewage, drains and electricity to mains.
• Building construction and engineering: concrete, brickwork, plastering, steelwork/metal works, carpentry/joinery, windows, doors and roofing.
• Other structures: landscaping, retaining walls, driveways, parking, boating facilities, loading areas and pools.
• Other related work.
• Charges and fees: GST, Long Service Levy, development application fee, construction.

Misrepresenting the value of the development will result in delays in its assessment and require reassessment/redetermination.

Development costs over $40 million

In the case of development which exceeds $40 million in cost, it is imperative that an accurate estimate is provided at development application stage as this will determine the correct consent authority.

Please note: The Central Sydney Planning Committee is the consent authority for all development over $50 million.

Suitably qualified persons

The following people are recognised as suitably qualified persons:

• a builder who is licensed to undertake the proposed building works
• a registered quantity surveyor
• a registered land surveyor
• a registered architect
• a practising qualified building estimator
• a qualified and accredited building designer
• a person who is licensed and has the relevant qualifications and proven experience in costing of development works at least to a similar scale and type as is proposed.