A construction certificate is defined under Part 4A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as a certificate to the effect that work is completed in accordance with specified plans and specifications.
A construction certificate certifies that the detailed construction plans and specifications for any development (being both subdivision or building work) comply with all the BCA (Building Code of Australia) requirements where appropriate and associated standard and codes. Construction certificates are issued upon approval of the building construction specifications.
A construction certificate can be issued by either a consent authority or an accredited certifier. A consent authority can be a council or the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning.
A construction certificate is required after development consent and before any works are carried out. It is usually required for engineering works, building work, construction works. Building work means any physical activity involved in the erection of a building, including alterations and additions. This requirements is found in Section 81A of the Act. A construction certificate is not required for complying development, where building details are covered by the complying development certificate.
Building and engineering design is specialised and complex. Council officers can provide guidance and advice on your proposal however detailed site investigations, research and complex technical advice is beyond the services provided by Council. You may consider employing a consultant who can assist in preparing your application. Please note that Council officers can not recommend consultants.
The process for lodging a construction certificate application with Snowy Monaro Regional Council changed in July 2021 under state direction to utilise the NSW Planning Portal, a digital platform used to lodge applications.
Hardcopy applications and documents emailed to Council are no longer accepted.
An application can be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal.
Fees
The fees for construction certificate are regulated by the State Government and vary depending on the type and cost of the development, please refer to Councils Schedule of Fees and Charges or call Council for a fee estimate.
- Construction Plans and Specification
- Engineering Details
- Basix Certificate
- Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) Certificate
- Required for residential work over $20,000, if a builder is engaged (Formerly known as Home Warranty Insurance)
Or
- Owner Builder Permit
- Required for residential work over $10,000, if The owner is not engaging a licensed builder to manage the entire project.
- Principal Certifier Appointment
Inspections during building construction
During building construction, mandatory inspections are carried out at key stages to ensure the work complies with:
- The approved Construction Certificate
- The Building Code of Australia (BCA) / National Construction Code (NCC)
- Development Consent conditions
- Other relevant building laws
These inspections are usually conducted by the Principal Certifier (either council or a private certifier) or in some cases by other specialist inspectors (e.g., engineers, fire safety experts).
Council will list the inspections required during construction of the building in the construction certificate. Request for inspection of building work should be made not less than 48 hours in advance.