DA valid for 1 year, what does it exactly mean?

The council said A Development Approval is valid for 1 year.

Does it mean, the new construction need to be completed in a year from the approval date?

 

Could vary form state to state but is usually 2 years and you need to "commence" construction within the allotted time frame. This might mean a driveway or storm-water plumbing for example. Once commenced it should not expire but always best to check with the local LGA to be sure, to be sure!

 

What does it say exactly because the question is a bit vague.

In Perth, development must be substantially commenced within 2 years of DA approval. "Substantially commenced" is not defined in any legislation but is generally understood to mean pad down and brickwork commenced for a house.

 

Excavation, maybe a footing or first council inspection (done that before just to keep the DA alive).

 

It varies from Council to Council over here. Some expect more than footings.

 

Started, not completed