General Building Information

Construction Certificates

A Construction Certificate is a certificate that states that building work can commence on an approved development, and that it complies with the terms of the development consent and the Building Code of Australia.

This certificate can be issued by either Council or a private certifier.

You must have development consent to obtain a construction certificate and no work may be commenced before you obtain a construction certificate.

Certifiers on Building Sites

Since July 1998, qualified professionals must oversee the construction of a development and/or certify stages of the construction phase. Once you have received a Construction Certificate, you will need to engage a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). Again, you have the choice of either Council or a private certifier to be your PCA.

The PCA is responsible for :

1. Overseeing the construction works on the site;
2. Ensuring that the relevant conditions of the development consent are being complied with;
3. Ensuring that critical stages of the construction have been inspected; and
4. Issuing an Occupation Certificate for the building before the building is occupied or the use of the development commences.

Appointing Council as your certifier

To appoint Council as your certifier, please complete Council’s PCA Agreement form.

Engaging a Private Certifier

It is difficult to change your PCA once the construction has commenced. You can only change your PCA if:

1. There are extenuating circumstances such as the death of the PCA (if a private certifier); and
2. You have obtained approval from the certifier’s accreditation board to enable another certifier or the Council to act as your PCA to oversee the completion of your development.

If you appoint a private certifier you must advise Council of the certifier’s details and must give Council 48 hours notice of your intention to commence work.

If you have any further queries regarding Construction Certificates or building certification please contact Council’s Sustainability and Better Living Division on (02) 6298 0266.

Private certifiers are appropriately qualified professionals who have attained accreditation from their relevant professional accreditation board. Private certifiers, like Council, also require professional indemnity insurance as they are potentially responsible to make good poor or defective work if it can be demonstrated that they have been negligent.

In engaging a private certifier and/or a PCA, you should ensure that the certifier has the appropriate accreditation relevant to your development.