Do I Need Council Approval for My Sydney Bathroom Renovation? The 2025 Complete Guide

If you’re thinking about bathroom renovations, you probably have questions about the council approval process and whether your bathroom renovation in Sydney requires permission. It’s always best to double-check, even if you’re fairly certain it’s safe to proceed without council approval. Not only is it an important part of legal compliance, but it’s also a must if you want to protect your resale value and insurance policy. Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines, and it could present a challenge when it comes time to sell. So, let’s take a look at bathroom renovations in Sydney and when you need approval.

As an industry expert, Crystal Bathrooms can help you navigate the council approval process to ensure your new bathroom is the dream you’ve been dreaming of.

Understanding NSW’s Approval Types 

In New South Wales, there are different approvals.

Development Application (DA)

A development application provides full council consent for the work proposed in your application. Do you need a DA? If you’re building in a flood zone, bushfire region, or conservation area, you will need to secure a DA when renovating bathrooms in Sydney. If you are tackling a complex extension or a multi-storey addition, you will require a DA. DAs are also required for heritage-listed property alterations. These approvals can take between six and 12 weeks.

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

If you’re looking to fast-track work, a CDC allows you to work to meet a set of predetermined standards. CDC projects include single-storey extensions, Granny flats, swimming pools, sheds, garages, or other detached buildings. CDCs are usually approved within 20 days, provided everything is in order.

Exemption

If your work meets the predetermined criteria, you will not need to seek formal approval. This includes work like replacing windows and doors, roofing, pergola erection, cladding, painting, and other aesthetic internal updates (flooring, cabinetry, wallpaper, etc).

Ultimately, it depends on the type of work being carried out and the extent of it, but you can use the NSW Planning Portal to get a better idea of what approvals you may need.

When You Usually Don’t Need Council Approval For a Bathroom Renovation

Basic internal bathroom updates in Sydney don’t require a CDC or a DA. As long as you aren’t completing structural changes, you are safe to retouch surfaces, update the shower screen and change the vanity, and replace tiles and fixtures. However, you must use licensed tradespeople and ensure they comply with the building codes.

When You Usually Do Need Council Approval For a Bathroom Renovation

A CDC or DA are required when there are structural changes or layout changes. For example, if you are expanding the bathroom to extend it or adding a brand new bathroom, you will need a DA. The same is true for heritage-listed property owners. 

If you’re a strata scheme owner, you will need to seek permission if your work affects any common property, shared waterproofing, plumbing, electrics, or any other structural fabric of the building. Or, in special overlay zones where there are risks of flooding or fire.

Failure to secure the proper permits can result in serious consequences. Not only does the council have the power to put a stop to your work, but they can also issue fines and force demolition. In addition, you may face issues when you list your property for sale or face insurance issues. 

The earlier you engage the council about your project, the better; the approvals process timeline varies by council.

Key Regulations to Remember

Even if you don’t require council approval for your renovation project, keep these key regulations in mind because exempt renovations must satisfy these regulations, too.

• A licensed waterproof must handle the wet-area waterproofing in compliance with AS 3740:2021.

• A licensed plumber must handle all plumbing work in compliance with AS/NZS 3500 and the NSW licensing board.

• Any renovation exceeding $5,000 in value (materials and labour) must be completed by a licensed contractor.

• There are Strata-specific rules to consider if you are a Strata owner with renovation plans.

5. Considerations 

While you might not require council approval for your update, upgrade, or renovation, Strata owners and apartment dwellers may need to seek consent from the owners’ corporation. Always check the bylines to avoid falling foul of the rules. 

If you are in a heritage-listed building or conservation area, you will have additional requirements to meet, which almost always require a DA. 

Always check your strata by-laws and the council rules first.

Pre-Renovation Next Steps

Use the NSW Planning Portal to check your property’s overlays, heritage status, and zoning regulations. Use the NSW Fair Trading website to find a licensed builder as early in the process as possible. You want to have plenty of time to get several quotes and find the right company to carry out the work. Think about whether you will need to move plumbing or alter structures, how it could affect common property, and what that might look like for permits. 

If you’re still unsure, you can approach the council to ask where a CDC or DA is more appropriate. Always keep documents and certificates for plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and approvals.

Contact Crystal Bathrooms 

If you want to give your bathroom a facelift, you won’t need to apply to the council for approval. As long as the changes are internal, non-structural changes, there should be no issue. The need for approval comes with more complex renovations that require plumbing relocation, layout changes that change the waterproofing needs, and electrical changes. Using licensed tradespeople keeps you safe from poor outcomes, fines, and unsafe renovations. 

We’ll walk you through the process, determine whether approvals will be required, and handle all the compliance issues so you can relax while we handle the hard work. Crystal Bathrooms delivers beautifully renovated bathrooms that exceed Sydney standards.

Get in touch with Crystal Bathrooms today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.