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No, a chair lift (stairlift), platform lift, or access ramp does not typically require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) in a Class 2 building in NSW.

These installations are generally not classified as "complying development" under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP). Instead, they usually fall into one of two categories:

• Exempt development (no planning approval needed at all), or
• Development requiring only a Construction Certificate (CC) (or equivalent building approval/certification), but not a CDC or full DA.

Access Ramps

• Small-scale access ramps (e.g., for disability access) are explicitly listed as exempt development under the General Exempt Development Code (Part 2, Division 1, Subdivision 1 of the Codes SEPP).
• Standards include: max 1m above ground level (existing), setbacks of at least 450mm from side/rear boundaries, no interference with drainage, etc.
• In strata/Class 2 contexts (common property stairs or entrances), compliant ramps often qualify as exempt if they meet these low-impact criteria and don't involve major structural changes. Larger or external ramps may require a CC or DA if they exceed exempt thresholds or affect the building envelope/fire egress.

Chair Lifts (Stairlifts) and Platform Lifts

• These are not listed as complying development in the Codes SEPP (e.g., no specific provisions in the Housing Code, Low Rise Housing Diversity Code, or other parts for Class 2/multi-unit residential).
• Internal installations (e.g., along existing stairs in common property or within a lot) are typically treated as minor internal modifications or "domestic" installations. They do not require planning consent (DA or CDC) unless they involve significant external changes, structural alterations, or heritage/zoning impacts.
• In most cases, they require only building approval via a principal certifying authority (private certifier or council) under the National Construction Code (NCC), AS 1735 series (lifts/escalators), and AS 1428 (access for people with disabilities). This includes:
  • Structural safety, fire egress compliance (no obstruction to required paths), electrical integration.
  • For vertical transportation elements, regulated designs and design compliance declarations may apply under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (for Class 2 buildings, especially if integration affects BCA compliance).
• External or major structural additions could trigger a DA, but standard internal stairlifts/platform lifts in apartments rarely do.

Key Approvals Typically Required (Instead of CDC)

1. Strata/Owners Corporation Consent — Essential in Class 2 strata buildings. Usually needs a special resolution (75% approval) and possibly a by-law for maintenance/liability on common property. Fire safety, egress, and impacts on other residents must be addressed.
2. Building Certification — A CC (or equivalent) from a certifier, ensuring NCC/BCA compliance (e.g., Part E3 for lifts, D3 for access). For vertical transportation, a registered design practitioner–vertical transportation may need to prepare/lodge regulated designs on the NSW Planning Portal before work starts.
3. SafeWork NSW — Some platform lifts/stairlifts count as "plant" and require registration/maintenance compliance.
4. DDA/Premises Standards Considerations — As a reasonable adjustment, the Owners Corporation must assess unjustifiable hardship; an access consultant's report helps demonstrate proportionality.

Practical Summary for Strata/Class 2 Scenarios

• Internal chair lift or platform lift → Usually no CDC/DA; focus on strata approval + building certification.
• Compliant access ramp → Often exempt (no approval); larger ones may need CC.
• External/major works → Could require DA or CDC in rare cases (e.g., significant structural/fire impacts).

Always confirm site-specifics with:

• Your local council's planning team (variations by LGA exist).
• A registered certifier or access consultant (like Sydney Access Consultants) for compliance pathways.
• The strata committee early, as their consent is usually the main barrier.

In your ongoing matter, this supports arguing that mechanical options (chair/platform lift) or a ramp can often proceed via strata + certification routes without triggering a full DA amendment or new DA/CDC, minimising delays/costs — provided fire egress, security, and common property impacts are suitably mitigated. If you share more details (e.g., internal/external, travel height, exact location), I can refine this advice further.