The council approval process…
As discussed on our Complying Development Certificate (CDC) page, achieving council approval requires a number of steps. Meeting NSW Construction Certificate requirements is one of them.
Some projects will be eligible for the fast track Complying Development Certificate (CDC) process. Others will be required to follow the more complex, 2-step route of Development Approval (DA).
If your project requires the more complicated approval process of a DA, you will firstly need to receive Development Consent. The second step is an approved Construction Certificate (CC). Both of these steps combined will form your completed Development Approval.
You can apply for your DA and CC at the same time, or you can apply for them separately. However, if you choose to apply for them separately, the DA will need to be approved before submitting the Construction Certificate request.
Step 1
Development Consent
Step 2
Construction Certificate
Step 3
Completed Development Approval
What is a Construction Certificate and why do I need one?
Armed with your Development Consent, you are able to progress to the next phase – the Construction Certificate. The CC is the final step in the Development Approval process. The submission itself is very detailed and will contain many documents.
The CC is the certificate that is issued by the consent authority or accredited private certifier. It is the document that allows your construction phase to go ahead.
A CC is required in order to commence construction works. Without a CC construction cannot begin.
It serves a number of purposes including providing evidence that:
- all conditions outlined in the development consent have been met.
- security is required as a condition of development approval consent.
- the NSW Fire Brigade has reviewed the application and any concerns they raised have been addressed in the planning.
- the project will be built to certain standards with respect to all structural, operational and aesthetic elements.
- all required payments have been made.
- structural strength and integrity are all compliant and appropriate.
- all planned works are compliant with the Building Code of Australia.
- all design and constructions plans adhere to the consented DA specifications.
What are the Construction Certificate requirements in NSW?
To be approved for a CC, a comprehensive package of plans, documents and specifications will need to be submitted along with the application.
The actual application will need to include at least the following items to be considered by the appointed consent authority or accredited private certifier:
- the official application form.
- application fee/s paid in full.
- multiple copies of all building and construction plans with all details and specifications.
- all documents outlined in the development consent that must be submitted to the consent authority.
- any other relevant documents, plans or approvals and certifications.
- all supporting evidence and information to prove BCA compliance.
Clear and detailed specifications should include such information as construction materials, all building standards for every aspect of the build (such as site drainage, heating, termite control, fire safety, appliances to be used, lighting, stairs, wet areas and more), adherence to the plans, site preparation, sustainability and finishes etc.
Submitted plans should also include comprehensive site plans, floor plans, building elevations, ceiling heights, roof pitches, fire safety and fire resistance design elements, structural engineer drawings etc.
Further supporting information such as copies of compliance documents, fire safety construction provisions, proof of assessment methods and more.
