It sounds like this is a “complying development” and here’s what the NSW government says about those:
Internal alterations
Some internal alterations to existing dwellings and ancillary development may be carried as complying development. This includes:
- new openings
- doors and
- changes to the internal floor layout.
To be complying development, internal alterations must not result in any of the following:
- a change in the building classification under the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
- an additional separate dwelling
- the creation of an additional floor within a dwelling
- the erection or conversion of a basement for residential uses.
Please refer to these provisions in the State Policy for a full list of development standards relating to internal alterations as complying development.
Okay, so what exactly is a complying development? This is what the NSW Planning website says:
Complying development is a fast-tracked application process that combines planning and construction approval for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. Approvals can be issued in as little as 20 days, or 10 days for the NSW Housing Pattern Book complying development pathway.
These fast-track approvals are determined by council or an accredited certifier without the need for a full development application if the proposal meets specific development standards.
Complying development generally includes larger building works than exempt development. For this reason, ‘sign off’ by a building professional (known as a certifying authority) is needed.
A complying development certificate is not required for building work that is exempt development, or subject to a construction certificate. For more information on this type of development, visit our Exempt Development section.
And what is Exempt Development?
Exempt development does not need planning or construction approval from a council or private certifier. It includes some minor building renovations and low impact works.
Exempt development can be done for certain residential, commercial and industrial properties including decks, gardens sheds, carports, fences, window repairs and house painting.
So, to answer your question, your neighbour is probably applying for an complying development which is a fast-track approval that only requires the authorisation of a qualified and registered professional.