The below excellent article is from David Lamborn from Windowline, a leading window and door installer in Strata Schemes right across in NSW.
Do Window and Door replacement projects fall under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) for Strata Schemes in NSW? The short answer? No. In most cases, it is excluded if the works are exempt development works¹. But let’s break it down.
When are window replacements excluded from the DBP Act?
Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (SEPP), replacing windows is considered exempt development when it meets the following conditions:
- The building is NOT in a heritage conservation area.
- There are NO structural changes (like modifying opening sizes or load-bearing elements).
- The building has a valid Annual Fire Safety Statement (where applicable).
- The replacement complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and all relevant Australian Standards.
- The works do not affect fire safety measures within the building.
Under Clause 13 of the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation 2021, building works that are exempt development (excluding waterproofing) are excluded from being “building work” under the DBP Act.
What does this mean for you?
If window and door replacements are exempt development, there is no requirement to lodge designs and compliance declarations in the NSW Planning Portal—streamlining the process and reducing costs. This has important and helpful considerations for Strata Schemes in NSW.
What about balcony doors?
Whilst balcony door replacements may also be exempt development³, in some cases, waterproofing may be required, this is usually depending on the substrate below the door. If waterproofing is necessary, the work will fall under the DBP Act and require regulated designs and compliance declarations which will likely need to incorporate the door system into the design.
For more information about Windowline and to get in contact with them, their details are here: https://windowline.com.au/contact/