A construction certificate certifies that relevant matters specified in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 have been satisfied, this includes:

• the construction plans and specification comply with the relevant standards (ie Building Code of Australia).
• the construction plans and specifications are consistent with the development consent; and
• all conditions of the development consent requiring compliance prior to the issue of a construction certifcate are finalised

A construction certificate is required after a development consent is issued and before any building work is carried out.  Building work means any physical activity including site preparation such as excavation, removing trees or the erection of a building, including alteration and additions. 

A construction certifcate is not required for complying development, where building details are covered by a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

When are you able to apply for a Construction Certificate?

You can apply for a construction certificate only if you have prepared detailed (ie 'for construction') plans, specifications or engineering details.

There are two options for lodging an application:

1. You can apply for Construction Certificate at the same time as lodging a development application.  This would be applicable for most development proposals where consideration of the development application is unlikely to require modification to the construction drawings and the level of detail of plans and specifications is sufficient to enable endorsement for construction.
2. Lodging an application after you have obtained a development consent.  This option would be more suitable for complex proposals.

What information is required with a Construction Certificate application?

Detailed plans and the building specifications are required to determine if the proposed building will comply with the development consent and relevant building codes.

If you are a owner-builder seeking approval for residential work that exceeds $5000 you must apply for a permit from the Department of Fair Trading.  A copy of the permit must be supplied with the application.

If you are a licensed buildier for residential work that exceeds $20000 you must obtain Home Warranty Insurance.  A copy of the insurance certificate must be supplied with the application or prior to the first 'Mandatory' critical stage inspection taking place.

Who can issue a Construction Certificate?

You can apply for a construction certificate to be issued by Streamline - Building approvals and certification; by Council or by an accredited certifier. 

When will a Construction Certificate lapse?

A construction certificate lapses with the development application

What else is required before work begins?

Before you commence any building or subdivision works, you are required to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) and you must give Council at least 2 days notice of your intention to commence building work. 

You can appoint Streamline - Building approvals and certification or Council to act as your PCA or you can appoint a private certifier, if you appoint a private certifier to act as your PCA you must inform Council.  

The role of the PCA is to ensure that has building work has been excuted in accordance with the development consent and relevant building regulations.  Is is also the responsibility of the PCA to ensure that any required Compliance Certificates are provided and that an Occupation Certificate is issued prior to the development/building being occupied.

Need more information

The Building Professionals Board have information to inform consumers about thier rights and responsibilities when building or subdividing land as well as the important role of the certifying authority.

Visit the Building Professionals Board website at http://www.bpb.nsw.gov.au to obtain information.

A number of guides, information sheets, forms and other information to keep certifiers, consumers and the development industry up to date.  Visit http://www.bpb.nsw.gov.au/page/publications---forms