Complying Development for Retail & Office
Retail and office fitouts, and many changes of use within commercial premises, can be certified as complying development in two to three weeks where the premises satisfies the Codes SEPP. That is considerably faster than a change-of-use DA. Eligibility turns on the zone, the existing approved use, and whether the works trigger fire safety or accessibility upgrade obligations.
Free consultation
- 2–3 weeks where the premises qualifies
- From $2,400 + GST plus certifier fees
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
Where the cost actually sits
The certification itself is usually the smaller number. The variable is whether the works trigger upgrade obligations on the existing building - accessible entry and sanitary facilities, fire separation, exit widths, emergency lighting.
On a building constructed to a much earlier code, that assessment is the difference between a straightforward fitout and a project. It is the first thing we look at, and it is the reason the pre-lease check is worth two days.
How it works
Pre-lease or eligibility check
24–48 hours
Zone, approved use, code eligibility and likely upgrade obligations.
Scope and programme
2–3 days
Fixed fee and a programme mapped to your occupancy date.
Documentation
1–2 weeks
Fitout plans, BCA and accessibility assessment, signage.
Certification
2–3 weeks
Managed through to issue.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Eligibility check for the specific premises and proposed use
- Fitout documentation to certifier standard
- Accessibility and fire safety upgrade assessment
- Signage included in the same scope
- Managing the certifier through to issue
What you don't have to deal with
- A fire safety or accessibility upgrade discovered after the builder is engaged
- A second application for signage after you have opened
Frequently asked questions
Which retail and office changes qualify?
Many internal fitouts and changes of use within the same broad use category qualify, subject to the zone and the code criteria. What commonly disqualifies a project is a change to a use the code does not cover, works affecting fire safety systems beyond a threshold, or a heritage-listed building.
Will the fitout trigger a building upgrade?
It can. Works to an existing building can bring accessibility and fire safety obligations under the Building Code that did not previously apply, and on older buildings this is frequently the largest single cost item. It is identified during the eligibility check rather than by a certifier mid-project.
Is signage included?
Business identification signage within limits on size, placement and illumination is often exempt or complying development. We scope it with the fitout so it is dealt with once, rather than becoming a separate application after opening.
Can this be done before I sign the lease?
Yes, and it should be. A 24 to 48 hour pre-lease check tells you whether the premises can be used as you intend and roughly what the fitout compliance cost will be. That is information worth having during the lease negotiation, not after it.
Related services
Commercial & Industrial Approval
Commercial and light industrial projects span a wide range - from a cafe fitout that can be certified in two to three weeks, to a warehouse development where the capital at risk makes feasibility the first priority, not documentation.
Change of Use
A change of use application is needed when the building stays the same but what happens inside it changes - retail to cafe, warehouse to gym, office to medical suite.
Complying Development (CDC)
A Complying Development Certificate is the fast-track approval pathway.
CDC - Restaurants & Cafes
A cafe or restaurant fitout, and in many cases the change of use to a food premises, can be certified as complying development in as little as two to three weeks where the premises satisfies the Codes SEPP in full.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.