Development Application (DA) Project Management
End-to-End DA Management for NSW Homeowners & Property Developers
Managing a Development Application (DA) in NSW can be complex, time-consuming, and overwhelming — especially when your project involves structural work, retaining walls, extensions, earthworks, or boundary changes.
At My Professional Services, we take care of the entire DA process for you from start to finish, ensuring your development is compliant, properly documented, and professionally managed through council approval.
What Is a Development Application?
A Development Application (DA) is a formal request for consent from your local council to carry out building works or land changes that are not exempt or complying with development.
You will need a DA for projects such as:
● New buildings or extensions
● Decks, garages, or significant renovations
● Retaining walls above certain heights or built near boundaries
● Major earthworks or changes to land levels
● Dual occupancies or boundary adjustments
● Most structural works on sloping blocks
A successful DA must include detailed plans, supporting reports, engineering assessments (where required), and a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE).
We handle all of that for you.
Our DA Project Management Services
1. Pre-Lodgement Project Review & Advice
We assess your project to determine:
● Whether a DA, CDC (Complying Development Certificate), or Exempt Development applies
● Relevant zoning and planning controls
● Retaining-wall, drainage, and earthwork requirements
● Potential issues that could trigger delays
We ensure your project starts on the right pathway from day one.
2. Documentation, Plans & Reports Coordination
We prepare and coordinate all required documentation, including:
● Architectural plans & elevations
● Site plans & existing conditions plans
● Structural engineering reports (especially for retaining walls & earthworks)
● Drainage plans
● Shadow diagrams, landscape plans & visual impact documents
● Detailed cost estimates
● Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
We work with your engineers, designers, and surveyors — or we can organise them for you
3. DA Lodgement on the NSW Planning Portal
We prepare your submission and lodge it through the NSW Planning Portal, including:
● All required forms
● Required supporting documents
● Owner consents
● Maps, title documents, and environmental details
We ensure the lodgement is complete and compliant so it isn’t delayed or rejected due to missing information.
4. Council Liaison & Ongoing Communication
We manage communication with council throughout the entire process:
● Responding to council’s Requests for Information (RFI)
● Handling engineer or planner queries
● Negotiating conditions of consent
● Tracking assessment progress
● Keeping you updated every step of the way
This removes the stress, waiting, and guesswork for you.
5. Post-Approval Management & Compliance
Once approved, we continue managing what happens next:
● Interpreting conditions of consent
● Organising building certification
● Coordinating contractors, engineers & surveyors
● Ensuring retaining-wall, earthwork, and structural obligations are met
● Managing amendments, if required
● Providing ongoing compliance support
We make sure your project moves from approval to construction smoothly.
Specialty: Retaining Walls & Earthworks Compliance
Because many DA setbacks come from retaining wall and land-level issues, our service includes:
● Site assessment of slopes, gradients, and existing retaining walls
● Engineered documentation for retaining wall design
● Ensuring compliance with height, boundary, and structural rules
● Verifying whether a retaining wall impacts neighbouring property
● Working with councils on drainage, soil stability & structural safety
This is especially important in NSW, where retaining walls often trigger the need for a full DA.
Why Choose Us for DA Project Management?
✔ Full end-to-end project management
✔ Expertise in NSW planning legislation
✔ Experience with retaining walls & structural earthworks
✔ Clear communication with councils and certifiers
✔ Accurate, complete documentation to avoid delays
✔ Ideal for complex or sloping sites
✔ Saves you significant time, money, and stress
We make sure your application is right the first time, reducing council delays and approval risks.
Who Our Service Is For
Our DA project management is ideal for:
● Homeowners wanting renovations, extensions, garages, or upgrades
● Properties on sloping blocks requiring retaining walls or earthworks
● Developers needing small to medium DA approvals
● Investors who want a hands-off approval process
Anyone who wants fast, accurate, professional DA support
Get Your Development Approved — Without the Stress
Whether you're building, renovating, stabilising land, or installing a retaining wall, we handle the DA process from start to finish — so you don’t have to.
Get in touch today for a consultation and let our DA experts manage the entire approval process for you.
FAQ
Do I need a DA for a retaining wall?
Yes — retaining walls often require a DA, especially if they exceed council height limits, are near a boundary, will support a structure (like a fence), or change land levels.
What documents are required for a DA?
Most applications need architectural plans, site plans, a Statement of Environmental Effects, engineering reports, drainage plans, and cost estimates. We manage all documents for you.
Can you lodge my DA for me?
Yes. We lodge your DA on the NSW Planning Portal, coordinate approvals, and handle all council communication from start to finish.
What happens if council asks for more information?
We respond to council’s Requests for Information (RFIs), provide the documents needed, and negotiate directly with the assessing planner.
Can you help after the DA is approved?
Absolutely. We help you interpret conditions of consent, arrange building certification, and ensure compliance during construction.