Approval pathways — exempt, complying, or a DA
One of the most useful things Draftly tells you is your approval pathway: how much approval your project needs, before you spend on drawings.
The three outcomes
- Exempt — no planning permit is required for the project as placed.
- Complying — the project meets the deemed-to-comply pathway.
- Needs a DA — a development application is required.
Draftly shows the outcome alongside the reasoning, such as the distance from the boundary it takes to reach a compliant result — so you understand why, not just what.
Exempt or complying still isn't "nothing"
An exempt or complying planning result can still need a building permit. Draftly says so plainly rather than overstating the outcome. Always read the result in full.
How the pathway is worked out
The pathway comes from testing your placed design against the verified planning rules for your site — the zone, overlays and controls found in the site research step. Because those facts come from official government data, the pathway is grounded in real rules, not assumptions. See Data and accuracy.
What to do with the result
Your pathway is carried into your submission package so it's stated clearly for council. See Your submission package. If you're unsure how a result applies to your specific circumstances, confirm it with your council or a certifier.