NSW Government
Planning

Assess and regulate

We develop smart policy and assess the state’s most significant infrastructure projects

Two male building certifiers inspect a building site. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Christopher Walters

Compliance

The process for assessing and deciding developments and how they relate to your proposal.

Find out more
New apartment building. Canterbury, Sydney, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo

Development assessment

The process for assessing and deciding developments and how they relate to your proposal.

Learn more
Panoramic view of Western Sydney Parklands - M7 M4 Motorway Intersection, Sydney. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo

State significant projects

The department has an important role in assessing and determining proposals for major development in NSW.

Explore the projects

Planning approval pathways

There are 9 different planning approval pathways in NSW. The size and scale of the development will determine which of the assessment pathways is appropriate.

Learn about the pathways
Small shed in a residential backyard.