If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, you’ve probably asked yourself the million-dollar question — “Do I need approval for this?” And honestly, it’s a fair question. Because in NSW, some bathroom renovations fly through without any approval at all… while others require more paperwork than applying for your first passport.

The trick is knowing where your renovation fits. And don’t worry — you don’t need to be a lawyer, architect, or council whisperer. You just need the right checklist, clear explanations, and a bit of renovation street-smarts.

This guide breaks down exactly how to find out whether your bathroom renovation needs approval in New South Wales, using simple steps, local Sydney examples, and a few cheeky analogies to keep it fun.

1. Start with the golden rule: Cosmetic = no approval. Structural = approval.

Sydney homeowners love this one because it instantly cuts confusion in half.

If what you’re doing is purely cosmetic — meaning you’re not touching structure, waterproofing, drainage, or plumbing location — then approval is usually not needed.

Cosmetic changes include:

• replacing taps or mixers

• swapping showerheads

• updating vanity mirrors

• painting walls

• replacing shower screens

• changing cabinet handles

• laying like-for-like tiles

• replacing a toilet with the same type, same location

These are the “no drama” jobs.

But the moment you touch plumbing, waterproofing, walls, or layout, you’re stepping into the world of approvals.

2. Understand the three approval pathways for bathroom renovations in NSW

There are only three possible approval categories your bathroom work will fall under:

A. Exempt Development (no approval needed)

This covers smaller, non-structural renovations. You can start without council approval as long as the work follows NSW’s Exempt Development Code.

B. Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

This is a fast-track approval handled through a private certifier or council. Usually needed for structural, layout, or major plumbing work.

C. Development Application (DA)

This is the long, traditional approval path. Most bathroom renovations don’t need this — but apartments in heritage buildings, complex wall changes, or major building reconfiguration might.

Knowing which category applies is the key to avoiding trouble later.

3. Ask yourself the 10 Approval Questions (if you say YES to any, approval is likely needed)

Here comes the fun part — the self-assessment checklist.

If you answer YES to any of these questions, your renovation may need approval.

1. Are you changing plumbing locations?

Moving a toilet across the room? Shifting the shower? Relocating the vanity?
→ This usually requires approval because you’re altering drainage and hydraulic design.

2. Are you installing new waterproofing?

New membrane = approval trigger. It must be certified and may need an Occupation Certificate at the end.

3. Are you modifying walls?

Removing, altering, or opening up a wall — especially structural ones — always requires approval.

4. Are you cutting into a slab (common in apartments)?

Any slab penetration triggers compliance checks and may involve strata approvals.

5. Are you adding or enlarging windows or skylights?

Anything that affects the external appearance of the building → approval.

6. Is your home in a bushfire zone?

A surprising number of Sydney suburbs fall into BAL categories. Some changes require certificates.

7. Is your building heritage-listed or in a conservation area?

Even “tiny” bathroom upgrades can require approvals in these homes.

8. Are you in an apartment or townhouse under strata?

If you live in strata, even simple works need strata approval, even if they don’t need council approval.

9. Is your renovation increasing waterproofed floor area?

This includes expanding the bathroom into the hallway or laundry.

10. Are you altering ventilation or exhaust systems?

Changing ducting or relocating ventilation can trigger approvals in apartments and commercial buildings.

If you’re ticking “yes,” you’re leaning toward CDC or strata involvement.

4. Use the NSW Planning Portal — the official tool to double-check

The State Government created a handy online assistant called the NSW Planning Portal Exempt Development Tool.

All you do is:

1. enter your address

2. answer a few questions

3. see whether your project needs approval

It doesn’t cover every detail (because bathroom renovations can be quirky), but it’s a great first filter.

5. Apartment owners: you must check with strata separately

Even if council approval is not needed, strata approval might still be required.

In NSW strata law, bathrooms typically involve:

• waterproofing

• acoustic membrane

• plumbing lines

• drainage points

• common property walls

• slab penetrations

These all fall into the “approval required” zone for strata.

So if you’re in an apartment:

• no matter how small the renovation

• no matter how simple it looks

• no matter what the contractor says

you must check with strata.

Many people don't realise this until they get the dreaded letter:
“We require you to stop work immediately until approval is granted.”

That letter is the ultimate Sydney renovation mood-killer.

6. Contact your local council — they can clarify edge cases

Every Sydney council has slightly different interpretations, especially around heritage conservation, drainage, and external appearance.

Call them and ask:
“I’m planning a bathroom renovation. Can you confirm whether it falls under exempt development or requires approval?”

Councils in Sydney deal with this question every day. They give quick, clear answers if you provide:

• your address

• drawings or photos

• what changes you’re planning

7. Check with a Private Certifier — the fastest way to get certainty

Private certifiers in NSW specialise in CDC approvals.
They can instantly tell you whether your bathroom:

• needs no approval

• qualifies for a CDC

• requires a DA

They also tell you:

• what documents you need

• how long approvals will take

• what engineering may be required

• whether your building has constraints

This is like having a bathroom approvals GPS.

8. Understand what type of bathroom renovation NEVER needs approval

Here are the situations where you’re basically in the clear:

• replacing your old toilet with a new one in the same location

• updating fixtures like taps, mixers, tapware

• installing a new vanity (same spot)

• replacing damaged tiles with identical tiles

• cosmetic renovations that don’t touch plumbing lines

• switching a shower screen to a newer frameless one

• updating lighting using existing wiring points (licensed electrician required)

If the layout stays the same and waterproofing isn’t being replaced, approval is unlikely.

9. Understand what bathroom renovations ALWAYS need approval

These ones are not negotiable:

• installing new waterproofing

• altering or adding plumbing lines

• changing drainage

• shifting the toilet or shower location

• removing or altering walls

• changing the bathroom layout entirely

• creating a bathroom where there wasn’t one

• adding a bathroom to a new extension

• cutting into concrete slabs

• changing ventilation ducting in apartments

These trigger compliance because waterproofing, drainage and structure impact building safety.

10. Keep documentation — this protects you legally

In NSW, bathroom compliance certificates are crucial:

You should always keep:

• waterproofing certificate

• plumbing certificate of compliance

• electrical compliance certificate

• final building compliance certificate (if CDC used)

• strata approvals

• engineering certificates (if any)

These protect you when selling your home and during future insurance claims.

Final Thoughts: Finding out if you need approval is easy when you follow a clear method

To summarise the smart Sydney homeowner strategy:

1. Check if your work is cosmetic

2. Use the NSW Planning Portal

3. Contact a private certifier

4. Call council for special cases

5. Check strata requirements (for apartments)

6. Confirm plumbing/waterproofing changes

7. Document everything

Once you understand the rules, the rest becomes easy. Most homeowners actually overestimate the paperwork — the approval process is not scary when you take the right steps early.

And the best part? A properly approved bathroom renovation adds huge value to your Sydney property while keeping everything compliant, safe and future-proof.

For more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services, visit www.mb9.com.au.