Architecture
& Building
Planning
MUSA Services manages the entire planning and approvals process — from Development Applications to Complying Development Certificates. We navigate local councils, certifiers, and regulations so your project moves forward without delays, anywhere in Australia.
320+
Projects Completed Across Australia
95%
DA Approval Success Rate
4-6 Weeks
Average DA Preparation Timeline
Your Approval Pathway, Simplified
At MUSA Services, we take the complexity out of planning approvals. Our team prepares
and lodges Development Applications (DA), Complying Development
Certificates (CDC), and coordinates with councils, certifiers,
and consultants — saving you time, money, and frustration.
We operate across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and all major Australian cities,
ensuring your project complies with local planning codes,
heritage overlays, and environmental regulations.
DA & CDC Lodgement
We prepare and submit all documentation for Development Applications and Complying Development Certificates — including statements, reports, and architectural drawings.
Council & Certifier Coordination
We liaise with councils, private certifiers, and authorities on your behalf — handling RFIs, site visits, and approval conditions.
Consultant Management
We coordinate heritage consultants, arborists, acoustic engineers, traffic consultants, and more — so you don't have to.
End-to-End Approvals Management
Local Council Expertise
Deep knowledge of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane council requirements — including LEPs, DCPs, and local planning nuances.
NCC & BASIX Compliance
Full compliance with National Construction Code, BASIX energy targets, and NatHERS requirements built into every application.
Heritage & Overlay Knowledge
Expert navigation of heritage conservation areas, flood zones, bushfire prone land, and other site-specific overlays.
Fast-Track CDC Pathway
Where eligible, we pursue Complying Development Certificate pathway for faster approvals (typically 20-30 days).
How We Get You Approved
A structured, milestone-driven approvals process ensures clarity
and confidence at every phase.
Site & Feasibility Assessment
We assess zoning, setbacks, heritage overlays, and development potential before any application work begins.
Design & Documentation
We prepare architectural drawings, shadow diagrams, landscape plans, and all required documentation.
Consultant Coordination
We engage and manage heritage, arborist, traffic, acoustic, and other specialist consultants.
Application Lodgement
We lodge your DA or CDC with council or certifier, tracking progress and responding to RFIs.
Pricing Plans
Transparent Pricing for
Every Architectural Vision
Transparent, fixed-fee packages to suit residential and commercial clients
across Australia. All prices include GST.
DA Feasibility & Strategy
$550
inc. GST · 90-min session
- Zoning & LEP/DCP review
- Heritage overlay assessment
- Development potential analysis
- Written feasibility summary
- Approval pathway recommendation (DA vs CDC)
- Risk assessment & timeline estimate
Ideal For
Homeowners and developers wanting to understand what's possible before buying or committing to design.
Full DA Preparation & Lodgement
$4,850 - $8,500
- Site analysis & planning review
- Architectural drawings for DA
- Shadow diagrams & solar studies
- Statement of Environmental Effects
- Consultant coordination (heritage, arborist, etc.)
- BASIX certificate preparation
- Council lodgement & RFI response
Ideal For
Clients ready to lodge a Development Application for renovations, new builds, or multi-unit developments.
CDC Fast-Track Package
$3,650 - $6,500
- Eligibility assessment for Complying Development
- Architectural drawings for CDC
- BASIX & NatHERS compliance
- Structural engineer coordination (if required)
- Private certifier lodgement
- Approval within 20-30 days (typical)
Ideal For
Projects eligible for fast-track approval under State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
Your Approvals Questions, Answered
Navigate the planning system with confidence — here’s
what you need to know about DAs, CDCs, and council approvals.
What is the difference between a DA and a CDC?
Development Application (DA) is assessed by your local council and is required for most projects — especially those with heritage overlays, variations to standards, or complex site conditions. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a faster approval pathway (typically 20-30 days) for projects that strictly meet pre-determined codes. We’ll advise which pathway is right for your project.
How long does the DA approval process take?
standard DA typically takes 4-6 weeks from lodgement to determination, depending on council workload, project complexity, and whether additional information (RFI) is requested. Complex projects or those requiring council committee approval may take 8-12 weeks.
Do you work with councils outside of Sydney?
What documents are required for a DA?
typical DA includes architectural drawings, shadow diagrams, a Statement of Environmental Effects, BASIX certificate, and depending on your site — heritage impact statements, arborist reports, traffic assessments, acoustic reports, and stormwater plans. We manage all of this for you.
Can you help if my DA has already been refused?
Can you help if my DA has already been refused?
A Section 4.55 modification (formerly Section 96) is a request to amend an approved DA — for minor design changes, condition variations, or extensions of time. We can prepare and lodge these modifications on your behalf.
Do I need a heritage impact statement for my project?
If your property is heritage-listed or within a heritage conservation area, a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) is typically required. Our team coordinates with heritage consultants to prepare this document as part of your DA.
How much does a DA cost?
Council DA lodgement fees vary by project value and location — typically $1,500 – $5,000. Our professional fees for DA preparation start from $4,850. We provide a full fee breakdown before any work begins.
Contact Us now
Contact MUSA Services to find out more about our planning & approvals services