Construction Requirements
What is a Construction Certificate?
A Construction Certificate is an approval that ensures that the detailed construction plans and specifications comply with the National Code of Australia (NCC) and any other relevant Australian standard. Certifies that the detailed construction plans and specifications are consistent with the Development Consent.
An application for a Construction Certificate must be lodged any relevant fees paid and approval granted by Council or an Accredited Private Certifier before any building works can commence.
Below are the steps that need to be followed to lodge a Construction Certificate with Council.
Step 1 - Notice of Determination received
Ensure you have received and read through the Notice of Determination (NOD) for the development. There are a set of conditions that are attached to the NOD which are set out as General Conditions, Prior to Issue of Construction Certificate, Prior to Buidling Works, During Building Works, Occupations and Ongoing Conditions.
Conditions listed under the General Conditions relate to the entire Development and need to be met throughout the construction of the building.
Conditions listed under the Prior to Issue of Consruction Certificate are requirement to be met prior to lodging a Construction Certificate application on the NSW Planning Portal.
Step 2 - Lodging an Application
Once all conditions under the Prior to Issue of Construction Certificate have been met the applicant can apply for the Construction Certificate on the Planning Portal.
Applicants must remember to upload the following documents as well as any other specific documentation specified in the Conditions of Consent.
Applicants must also complete a PCA Appointment Application on the Portal to appoint Council as the Principal Certifier.
Step 3 - Pre-lodgment Review
Once all documentation is uploaded Council Staff will review the documents and send notification if more information is needed. If the information is sufficient then a Fee Quote will be sent for payment of fees. No assessment is undertaken until fees are paid.
Step 4 - Approval of Application
The Construction Certificate once approved will be uploaded to the NSW Planning Portal. Works can commence once you have received the Construction Certificate.
Step 5 - Inspections
During the building process there are a number of mandatory Critical Stage Inspections that must be undertaken by Council Staff to progress through the build. All inspections must be booked in with Council at least 48hrs in advance to ensure that Staff are available to attend.
If an inspection is not booked in and work progresses Council Staff may not be able to issue an Occupation Certificate, and the building will not be able to be habited.
Step 6 - Ready for Occupation Certificate?
Once all building works are completed ensure that all Conditions of Consent have been completed prior to applying for an Occupation Certificate on the NSW Planning Portal.
Things to look out for:
- All Bush Fire Protection measures have been completed
- Smoke Detectors connected
- Water and Power is connected
- Driveway Access upgrade completed
- Certificates obtained:
- Smoke Detector Certificate
- Electrical Compliance Certificate
- Dark Skies Compliance Certificate
- Wet area Inspection Certificate including material data sheet and method of installation
- Glazing Certificate (In accordance of BAL requirements if applicable)
- Shower screen Certificate
- Termite Shield – Certificate in Electrical Meter Box
- Drainage diagram
- Gas Installation Compliance Certificate
Note: Certificates will depend on the type of development