How long does approval for bathroom works take in Sydney? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

If you’ve started planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, you’ve probably already noticed one thing: choosing tiles is fun, picking vanities is exciting… but figuring out approvals feels like trying to solve a Sudoku puzzle in the dark.

And the biggest question everyone asks is: “How long does approval for bathroom works actually take?”

Let’s break the mystery wide open — simply, clearly, and with just enough humour to keep your renovation stress levels somewhere below boiling point.

1. Many Bathroom Renovations in Sydney Don’t Need Council Approval at All

Yep, this surprises people more than finding out their 1980s pipes are still holding on for dear life. In NSW, most standard bathroom renovations fall under Exempt Development, which means:

• You’re not changing the layout of plumbing too drastically

• You’re not touching structural walls

• You’re not altering the building’s external appearance

• You’re not expanding the bathroom footprint

• Your building is not heritage listed

• Your renovation stays within the general building code

If your renovation is “like for like” or involves internal upgrades only, you often don’t need council approval — so the approval time drops to zero. Just design it, book your licensed trades, and off you go.

But since life isn’t always that simple (and Sydney loves a good complication), let’s talk about the cases where approval is required and how long each path takes.

2. When You Need a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

A CDC is the fast-track approval route under NSW planning rules. This is usually required when your bathroom renovation involves:

• Major changes to plumbing layout

• Alteration of internal walls

• Modifying the drainage system

• Moving the bathroom to a different room

• Apartments where strata requires certified documentation

• Renovations in buildings that need regulatory compliance checking

The CDC process includes building plans, documentation and inspections before and after the renovation.

Typical approval timeframe for a CDC in Sydney:
👉 2–6 weeks

Why the range? Because approval depends on:

• How fast your certifier reviews your documents

• Whether your existing property meets CDC conditions

• Whether you need engineering reports

• How quickly your draftsman or designer prepares plans

If your documentation is clean and your property is straightforward, approval can land in your inbox faster than a weekend Uber Eats order. But if your home is older or complex, allow more time.

3. When You Need a Full Development Application (DA)

This is the long route — the “take a deep breath, grab a coffee, and be patient” route. Bathroom renovations rarely require a DA unless:

• The building is heritage-listed

• The property is in a heritage conservation area

• You’re removing or altering structural walls

• You’re relocating the bathroom to create a new wet area

• Drainage changes affect structural components

• Strata requires major works approval

A DA involves lodging documents with your local Sydney council, waiting for public notification periods, responding to requests for information and obtaining construction certificates afterwards.

Typical approval timeframe for a DA in Sydney:
👉 6–12 weeks on average,
but sometimes up to 16 weeks for slower councils.

Let’s be honest — Sydney councils are not known for their sprinting speed. Some councils are quick and tidy, others… move like a sloth on a warm Sunday afternoon. It all depends on your area and how complex your bathroom project is.

4. Strata Approvals: The Extra Layer for Units and Apartments

If you live in an apartment or townhouse, welcome to the world of strata approvals — the silent boss that can make or break your renovation timeline.

Strata approval may be needed if you’re:

• Touching waterproofing

• Moving plumbing

• Cutting or drilling into concrete slab

• Relocating fixtures

• Changing ventilation

• Modifying drainage

• Creating noise or vibration that affects common property

Most Strata Committees only meet once a month, meaning approval can’t be rushed.

Typical strata approval timeframe in Sydney:
👉 2–8 weeks, depending on meeting schedules and documentation quality.

The trick? Provide clear drawings, waterproofing certificates, licensed builder/plumber details and a concise scope of works. The more prepared you are, the less strata drags its feet.

5. Heritage Homes: The Slow-Motion Approval Category

Sydney is full of charming heritage terraces in Newtown, Federation homes in the Inner West, bungalows in the North Shore and Victorian beauties in Paddington.

If your property is heritage-listed or located in a heritage conservation area, bathroom renovations may require:

• Heritage Impact Statements

• Council heritage officer review

• Structural input

• Full DA lodgement

Typical heritage approval timeframe:
👉 8–16+ weeks,
depending on council workload and heritage officer availability.

In heritage scenarios, patience is not just a virtue — it’s a requirement.

6. Minor Bathroom Renovations With No Approval Required — BUT Still Need Certification

Even when council approvals aren’t needed, your renovation still requires:

• Licensed plumber

• Licensed electrician

• Licensed waterproofer

Each must supply:

• Plumbing compliance certificate

• Electrical compliance certificate

• Waterproofing certificate

Certifiers and insurers expect these documents. If you skip them, your bathroom could be considered non-compliant — even if council approval wasn’t required.

These certificates are usually provided instantly or within a few days after each stage.

7. Want a Quick Rule of Thumb? Here’s the Sydney Timeline Cheat Sheet

A) No approval needed (Exempt Development)
– Upgrades only, no structural changes
👉 0 weeks (start whenever you like)

B) Strata approval only
👉 2–8 weeks

C) Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
👉 2–6 weeks

D) Development Application (DA) + Construction Certificate
👉 6–12 weeks (average)
👉 Up to 16 weeks (slow councils or complex sites)

E) Heritage properties
👉 8–16+ weeks

Thinking your bathroom renovation will be done “next month”?
Well—yes, if it falls into Category A.
If not, give yourself a realistic buffer so your builder and trades can lock in correct timelines.

8. What Slows Down Approval in Sydney? The Brutal Truth

Let’s keep it real — approvals get delayed for reasons that feel almost comically predictable:

• Missing drawings

• Incomplete documentation

• Incorrect scope description

• No licensed trade details

• Strata meetings delayed

• Council requests for extra info

• Heritage reviews

• Drainage compliance issues

• Neighbour objections (yes, sometimes even for bathrooms!)

Sydney bureaucracy and speed are not best friends. To avoid the “approval limbo”, make sure everything is prepared properly from the start.

9. How to Speed Up Bathroom Approval (Sydney Edition)

There are ways to fast-track the whole thing:

• Use a private certifier for CDC

• Get plans done professionally

• Provide clear plumbing and drainage layouts

• Show licensed contractor details upfront

• Provide waterproofing method statements

• Avoid half-finished drawings

• Always respond to council quickly

• Give strata all documents in one hit

• Don’t hide unexpected issues — deal with them early

Think of approvals like cooking: prepare ingredients first, don’t rush the recipe, and follow the steps in order. Otherwise, everything burns.

10. Final Answer: How Long Does Approval Take?

The real, simple summary:

• If no approval is required: Start immediately

• If strata is required: 2–8 weeks

• If CDC is required: 2–6 weeks

• If DA is required: 6–12 weeks (sometimes longer)

• If heritage is involved: Expect 8–16+ weeks

Sydney bathroom approvals range from instant to several months, depending on the type of property, the scope of works and the approvals pathway.

If you’d like to understand which category your renovation falls into — or want help ensuring your bathroom approval happens smoothly — you can explore renovation services at www.mb9.com.au.