Construction certificates

What is a Construction Certificate?

A Construction Certificate is an approval for building work that certifies:

  • Construction work has been completed in accordance with the specified plans and specifications and that it complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) including relevant associated structural standards and codes
  • the detailed construction plans and specifications are "not inconsistent" with the development consent
  • all “prior to issue of Construction Certificate” conditions of the development consent have been satisfied

A Construction Certificate lapses after five years, the same time as the Development Consent was issued for the proposal (unless otherwise noted on the Development Consent).

 

Who can apply for a Construction Certificate?

The owner of the land is generally required to be the applicant for a Construction Certificate.

In some circumstances, a lessee of the land or building may be the applicant. In this instance we recommended that you contact Council  for further advice prior lodging your application.

 

When should you submit your application for a Construction Certificate?

A Construction Certificate is required after Development Consent is issued and before any building work is carried out. Building work is defined as any physical activity involved in the erection of a building, including alterations and additions. See Part 4 & 6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

An Application for a Construction Certificate may be lodged at the same time as your DA or at any time after the lodgement of the DA.

If you lodge your Construction Certificate application and DA at the same time, the processing time of the Construction Certificate will be improved as our Building Surveyors can undertake an assessment of your proposal while the DA is being assessed.

Please note that a Construction Certificate cannot be issued unless it is consistent with the Development Consent and the Development Consent itself has been issued.

 

How do I apply for a Construction Certificate?

You can apply for a Construction Certificate online via the NSW Planning Portal.

All applications will need to be accompanied with the applicable fee as outlined in Tamworth Regional Council current Fees and Charges.

 

What information do I need to include with the Construction Certificate Application?

The following information is required when applying for a Construction Certificate:

  • Full set of architectural construction plans.  If a development consent has been previously issued, the Council approved architectural plans should  be provided. 
  • Structural details for the proposal prepared by a suitably qualified structural engineer.  This detail should include footing and floor slab design, framing and bracing details and other details addressing relevant Building Code of Australia requirements.
  • General building specification. Specifications are a statement of building requirements describing the loading conditions, design practices, materials and finishes. Specifications are typically drafted by architect/draftsperson or specification booklets can be purchased from some newsagents.
  • A BASIX certificate (update link to https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/basix). Required for all new residential dwellings, alterations and additions costing $50,000 or more and swimming pools with a capacity of 40,000L or more. The requirements of the BASIX certificate are also to be shown on the plans and specifications.

In addition to the above, some proposed works may require:

  • Section J (Energy Efficiency) Report for Class 2-9 buildings.
  • Performance Solution information if your proposal does not meet the “deemed to satisfy provisions” of the Building Code of Australia
  • Any Compliance Certificates relied upon, such as the engineers design certificate
  • Acoustic certification
  • Fire safety measures and fire resisting construction detail

For the statutory requirements for a Construction Certificate, please see Part 8 – Construction Certificates – Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.