17_010 Checklist for building certification

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1. Complying development (CDC)

1. Determine if your project qualifies for Complying Development based on its size and impact.
2. CDCs can be issued by accredited private certifiers or local councils.
3. Recognize that, unlike Development Applications, CDCs are more of a “yes/no” checklist approach.
4. If your proposal meets all CDC requirements, it can be quickly certified as Complying Development.
5. Consider the advantage of faster approval times for CDCs (usually within 10 days, or 20 days with notifications).
6. Explore options to obtain CDCs from accredited private certifiers or local councils based on availability.
7. Carefully review the policy to ensure your Development meets all Complying Development requirements.
8. Take into account both site-based and design-based criteria, such as height, setbacks, and landscaping.
9. Note that some forms of complying Development may not be allowed on certain sites, like those with heritage listings.
10. Complying Development is a strict “tick box” process, and even a single non-compliance can disqualify a project.
11. If your project meets only some of the CDC standards, be prepared to lodge a Development Application with the council.

2. Construction certificates

1. Check if your project needs a Construction Certificate (CC) alongside a Development Application (DA).
2. Review your Development Consent for CC requirements.
3. Your local council or an accredited private certifier can issue CCs.
4. Complying Development Certificates (CDCs) cover both planning and construction.
5. Ensure your building plans meet the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and consent conditions.
6. Prepare detailed construction plans.
7. CCs may apply to non-building projects too.
8. Once you have a CC, you can start construction after meeting approval conditions.

3. Occupancy certificates

• Needed after Construction Certificate for safe occupancy.
• Ensures building matches approved plans and meets requirements.
• It can be required even without a Construction Certificate.
• Issued by Principal Certifier (Council or private certifier).

Learn More

• Complete guide to getting your certificate of occupancy

4. Subdivision work certificates

• Required for subdivision projects with roads, drainage, etc.
• Similar to a Construction Certificate but for subdivisions.
• Detailed plans are needed, like road cross sections and pipe sizes.
• Sometimes needed alongside a Construction Certificate for large projects.

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5. Applying for a subdivision certificate

• A Subdivision Certificate is similar to an occupation certificate but for subdivisions.

• It’s issued near project completion when you want to register new lots created at Land and Property Registry Services.

• Ensure all works align with the Construction/Subdivision Works Certificate plans and meet approval conditions.

• Check if compliance certificates from utilities (e.g., Sydney Water) are required before applying for a Subdivision Certificate.

• You may need a s73 compliance certificate from Sydney Water and approvals from utility providers like electricity, gas, and telecommunications.

• Subdivision Certificates are typically issued by the local Council.

• In some cases, an accredited private certifier can issue them, but this is limited by environmental planning instruments.

• Usually, the Council that issues the Subdivision Certificate is also the principal certifier for the Development.

6. Compliance certificate

• Compliance certificates are specialized certificates needed for specific building or subdivision work as per regulations.
• They can be obtained by a certifier or another person responsible for the relevant work, like class 2-9 buildings under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) or alternative fire-engineered solutions under the BCA.

7. Principal certifiers

• It’s crucial to know the role of the principal certifier (formerly known as the principal certifying authority).
• The principal certifier is responsible for:

• Conducting inspections during building or subdivision work.

• Issuing Occupation Certificates.

• Issuing Compliance Certificates when they can replace a Construction Certificate.

• Issuing Subdivision Certificates.

• The principal certifier performs inspections at various stages of Development.

8. Lodging applications for building certificates

8.1. Start your application

• Applying for a Construction Certificate (CC) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is quite similar to a Development Application (DA).
• You can even combine a DA and CC into one application with the local Council.

8.2. Get the forms and checklists

• Councils usually provide application forms for CCs and CDCs, and many have checklists that clearly spell out what you need to submit.
• You can typically find these forms and checklists on the Council’s website.

8.3. Choose how to submit

• You can submit your application either:
  • In person at the council office (over the counter).
  • By mailing it to the Council.
• If you prefer using a private certifier, they also have their own forms and checklists.
• Confirm with the certifier how they want you to submit your application (electronically or hard copies).

8.4. Prepare your application

• Gather all the documents and information needed for your CC or CDC application.
• Fill out the application form provided by the Council or private certifier.
• Double-check the provided checklists to make sure you include everything required.
• If you’re submitting electronically, make sure your files meet their format and requirements.

8.5. Keep communication open

• Stay in touch with the Council or private certifier throughout the application process.
• If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to ask.
• If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframes, follow up to check your application’s status.