Construction certificates

A construction certificate (CC) is an approval that certifies that your proposed development, if completed in accordance with your plans and specifications, will comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) including relevant associated structural standards and codes.

No. You do not require a CC to commence works if you have obtained a Complying Development Certificate.

Apply online via the NSW Planning Portal.

1.  Prepare and submit application

A construction certificate application may be lodged at the same time as your Development Application (DA) or at any time after the lodgement of your DA. 

Preparing and lodging the CC application and DA at the same time may improve the processing time, as the CC can be assessed in conjunction with the DA. Note: a CC cannot be issued unless the DA has been determined and approved. A CC must be consistent with the development consent.

Construction certificates are submitted via the NSW Government's online Planning Portal.

2.  Assessment

Once a CC application is lodged, it is assigned to an accredited council building surveyor for assessment. They check the application

• Complies with the BCA
• Is consistent with the plans approved under the development consent
• Complies with any conditions included on the development consent
• Complies with BASIX commitments where applicable
• Complies with other CC submission requirements

   

3.  Prior to issue of a construction certificate

If applicable, the following items are required by council prior to the issue of the CC

• Builder details or Owner-Builder Permit
• Long Service Levy payment
• Home Owners Warranty Insurance
• Payment of Section 7.12 and 64 contributions
• Compliance with conditions of consent

4.  Determination and issue

You will be provided with your CC once council determines that your application complies with all building requirements and is consistent with your development consent.

5.  Commencement of work

• Make sure you have an approved development consent
• Read the document and comply with the conditions at all times
• Make sure you have an approved CC

6.  Completion of work

Once you have completed all construction work, you will need to arrange for a final inspection. The building cannot be used or occupied until after this final inspection and an Occupation Certificate (OC) has been issued. Remember it is an offence to occupy or use a building without an OC.

Refer to council’s current Fees and Charges.

No. You must not commence any form of construction until a CC has been issued. 

It is important to read the conditions of your development consent carefully to determine whether there any other approvals required before you can commence construction works.

No. A CC cannot be issued for works which have already been erected or carried out.

For instances where building works have been carried out without the correct approval, you can apply for a Building Certificate. 

Remember it is an offence to carry out building works without having the proper approvals in place. Commencing works without approval may incur heavy penalty fees.

Council endeavours to process, assess and approve construction certificates within 10 working days of receipt of the application. However, this is subject to the application being made complete with all required information.