About Streamline

In NSW building work, subdivision work or the erection of structures is regulated by a certification process. This certification process cannot occur until a development application has been lodged with the Local approval authority and approval obtained.

The certification process has been established to ensure that works and/or activities which are carried out comply with technical standards, such as the Building Code of Australia, and the conditions of consent imposed by Council.

Acknowledging the importance of the need for timely and efficient certification services, Gosford City Council has established an independent business unit called Streamline - Building Approvals and Certification Services, which is focused entirely on:

• Processing of Complying Development Certificate applications (CDCs)
• Processing of Construction Certificate applications (CCs) for all Classes of buildings
• Undertaking the associated building certification role (i.e. mandatory inspections during construction and issue of associated certification such as Occupation Certificates)

Streamline has been established to provide the Central Coast building and development industry and the community with professional, timely and cost-efficient certification services for any level of project.  Download a copy of the Streamline - Building Approvals and Certification Services brochure.

How can Streamline help you?

Examples of how streamline can help you include:

• We can provide the full range of building approvals, building certification/inspection services and associated advice to our customers.
• We are focused solely on the approval and certification role.
• We provide customer focused, efficient, cost-effective and quality service.
• We have a team of professional, qualified and experienced Building Surveyors.
• Council's Streamline business unit is independent and will ensure building regulations, construction standards and development consent requirements are satisfied.
• As a business unit of Gosford City Council, we have the long-term support and stability of Council.
• We can provide prompt advice and assistance on the Complying Development Certificate and Construction Certificate application process.
• We are flexible and will endeavour to meet our customers' needs wherever possible. For example, we can carry out inspections at times which accommodate your work commitments (such as early morning inspections) or provide project-specific fee proposals upon request.

The Certification Process

Step 1
Obtain a Construction/Complying Development Certificate

Building work or the erection of a structure must not occur unless a Construction or Complying Development Certificate has been issued (this is unless the work/activity is exempt development).

A Construction Certificate cannot be issued unless a valid development consent is in force.

A Complying Development Certificate is essentially a combined Development Consent/Construction Certificate and usually applies to straightforward projects which meet predetermined development standards.

Construction and Complying Development Certificates can be issued by either Council or private certifiers.

The plans and specifications submitted with a Construction or Complying Development Certificate application must contain enough detail to ensure that the works comply with the relevant standards, such as the Building Code of Australia, and are consistent with the terms of the development consent.

Construction industry long service levy payments must be made before the issue of a Construction/Complying Development Certificate.

Step 2
Nominate a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)

Once a Construction/Complying Development Certificate has been issued it is necessary to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA).

The role of the PCA is to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, any conditions listed in the development consent or Complying Development Certificate and to certify that the construction has been built in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and any other relevant standards or, in the case of subdivision, Aus-Spec.

A PCA must inspect the works at predetermined stages as part of ascertaining compliance with the relevant standards/requirements. Failure to have these stages inspected may render you liable for a penalty or may result in a refusal to allow occupation of the building.

Details of the stages which must be inspected will be provided by the PCA once they have been appointed and have accepted the role as PCA.

It is the owner's responsibility to appoint a PCA. This can be Council or an accredited certifier, but once chosen, must remain the same throughout the construction process.

It is in the interests of all owners to sight the inspection results/compliance certificates, regardless of whether you use Council or an accredited certifier.

Step 3
Obtain an Occupation Certificate

A final inspection is required before you occupy a building or development. It is important that the requested progress inspections have been conducted to ensure that the final inspection is processed in an efficient and timely manner. Most importantly, the completed works must be in accordance with the consent, otherwise the granting of occupancy will be delayed.

On the spot penalties apply for non-compliance with the development consent, including failure to obtain progress or final inspections.

Like to know more?

For more details about Streamline - Building Approvals and Certification please contact us on (02) 4325 8222.