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02/03/2026 at 2:39 pm
#83132
Some background:
Apartment buildings are the only building class where the remedial requirements of the DBPA currently apply.
The Act introduced requirements for remedial work in apartment buildings covering critical construction
- Load bearing components, like slabs, beams, columns and structural walls
- Waterproofing, like balconies, rooves, bathrooms and membranes
- Fire safety, like fire doors, cladding interfaces and passive fire protection
- Building enclosure / façade systems, like external walls and windows.
This rectification work often needs to comply with the BCA, which improves the quality of remedial work by including the latest safety requirements.
However, some of the internal and external building work generally defined as exempt development under the State Environmental Planning Policy includes:
- A doorway, wall, ceiling, or floor lining
- A bathroom or kitchen
- A built-in fixture such as vanity, cupboard, wardrobe
-
An existing sanitary fixture (e.g. a grease trap or similar)
- Painting, plastering, cement rendering, cladding, attaching fittings or decorative work,
- The replacement of an external window, glazing areas or a door (other than those on bush fire prone land),
- The repair to or replacement of a non-structural wall or roof cladding,
- The installation of a security screen or grill to a door or window or a security door,
- The repair to or replacement of a balustrade.
A general guide on remedial work for apartments and information on exemptions can be found here. For a guide on ‘exempt development’ requirements, see here.