5 Find out about inspections Find out more

At least two days before work starts, the PCA must inform you about Building Professionals Board
the inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue
will make arrangements with the PCA for inspections to be carried out Parramatta NSW 2150
as needed. The PCA may not be able to issue certificates for completed Tel: (02) 9895 5950
work if inspections are not undertaken. Fax: (02) 9895 5949
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au
6 Obtain an occupation certificate
Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an Find out more about
Guide to the building
occupation certificate from your PCA. 5 Find out about inspections

approvals process
working with a PCA in
Building Professionals Board
At least two days before work starts, the PcA must inform you about
Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue
the inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder
Parramatta NSW 2150

our new guide at

Tel: (02) 9895 5950

The PCA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is

will make arrangements with the PcA for inspections to be carried out
as needed. The PcA may not be able to issue certificates for completed
Fax: (02) 9895 5949
work if inspections are not undertaken.
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au
What can I do if I’m not happy with mywww.bpb.nsw.gov.au
suitable to occupy. If satisfied, they will issue an occupation certificate.6 PCA? Find out more 6 Obtain an occupation certificate
Complaints about your PCA should be taken up with them directly. Building ProfessionalsBefore
Boardyou can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an 5 Find out about inspections
Find out more about
working with a PCA
5 Find in
out about inspections
Building Professionals Board Find out more
Guide to the building
Choosing and working
Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue

our new guide at

At least two days before work starts, the PCA must inform you about At least two days before work starts, the PcA must inform you about the Building Professionals Board

Complaints can then be referred to the Building Professionals Board if the Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue the inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder
Parramatta NSW inspections
2150 required and you must inform your builder. The builder will make Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue

occupation certificate from your PcA.

will make arrangements with the PCA for inspections to be carried out
Tel: (02) 9895 5950
arrangements with the PcA for inspections to be carried out as needed. The Parramatta NSW 2150

approvals process
Fax: (02) 9895 5949 Tel: (02) 9895 5950
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au
as needed. The PCA may not be able to issue certificates for completed PcA may not be able to issue certificates for completed work if inspections
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au Fax: (02) 9895 5949

issue is not resolved. Parramatta NSW 2150

work if inspections are not undertaken are not undertaken
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au

The PcA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is 6 6

Obtain an occupation certificate This brochure is part of a suite Obtain an occupation
of Guides available certificate
from www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

You can appeal to the Land and Environment Court if the council
Choosing and working Guide to the building
Tel: (02) 9895 5950
Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an Find out more about Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an This brochure is part of a suite of Guides available from www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

You are also able to change your PCA, by either obtaining an agreement
with a Principal
occupation certificate from your PCA. working with a PCA occupation certificate
in from your PcA.
with a Principal approvals process
5 Find out about inspections Find out more

our new guide at

At least two days before work starts, the PcA must inform you about the Building Professionals Board

suitable to occupy. If satisfied, they will issue an occupation certificate.

inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder will make Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue

The PCA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it www.bpb.nsw.gov.au
The PcA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is safe to
arrangements with the PcA for inspections to be carried out as needed. The
PcA may not be able to issue certificates for completed work if inspections
are not undertaken
Parramatta NSW 2150
Tel: (02) 9895 5950
Fax: (02) 9895 5949
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au

is suitable to occupy. Where satisfied, they will issue an occupation 6 occupy. Where satisfied, they will issue
Guidean occupation
building certificate.
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au

Fax: (02) 9895 5949

Obtain an occupation certificate
to the

Certifying Authority
Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an This brochure is part of a suite of Guides available from www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

certificate.
occupation certificate from your PcA.
approvals process
You can appeal to the Land and Environment court if the council refuses

between yourself — as the person who appointed the PCA — the current
The PcA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is safe to
occupy. Where satisfied, they will issue an occupation certificate.
You can appeal to the Land and Environment court if the council refuses
to issue a construction certificate or final occupation certificate, or if no

You can appeal to the Land and Environment Court if the council to issue a construction certificate or final occupation
decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal against the
decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application for a certificate.
However, if the certifier fails to issue a certificate within a reasonable period,
A six-step guide to thecertificate, or if no
approvals required for
refuses to issue a construction certificate or final occupation certificate, decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal against the
(PCA)
a complaint may be lodged with the Building Professionals Board. The
Board may conciliate the dispute, discipline the certifier, or approve a change anyone intending to build

You can appeal to the Land and Environment court if the council efuses
to another certifying authority.

A six-step guide to the

ImPorTANT NoTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice

or if no decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application for a certificate.

Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au
Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to issue
these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. Before you
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
brochure.
© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board

PCA and the proposed new PCA. You can also apply to the Board to change
against the decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application
engage a certifier, you should check their level of accreditation at
DIScLAImEr: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of

However, if the certifier fails to issue a certificate within a reasonable period,

www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

approvals required for

publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person
in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above. any part of the document.

for a certificate. a complaint may be lodged with the Building Professionals Board. The
If you believe your PCA has or is unreasonably delaying the release Board may conciliate the dispute, discipline the certifier, or approve a change anyone intending to build

www.bpb.nsw.gov.au to issue a final occupation certificate (or construction certificate), or if

Certifying Authority
of your certificate or approval you should, in the first instance, discuss to another certifying authority.
A guide for owners and
your PCA, although the Board does not approve a change of PCA without
this with the PCA. If you are not satisfied after that, contact the Board
ImPorTANT NoTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice
for advice and assistance.
occupiers who intend to build
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this

refuses to issue a final occupation certificate (or construction

Notnotallconstitute
accredited private
Users certifiers
are advised tocan issue alladvice
of the above brochure.

no decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal against

IMPORTANT NOTE: This brochure does legal advice. seek professional
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above brochure.
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to issue
or subdivide and need a PCA

good reason.
© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board
these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. Before you
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to © State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board. February 2011.
engage a certifier, you should check their level of accreditation at

A six-step guide to the

issue these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. DISCLAIMER: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of DIScLAImEr: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
publication, the State of New South www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

the decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application for a

Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person
Before you engage a certifier, you should check their level of in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above. any part of the document.
accreditation at www.bpb.nsw.gov.au. any part of the document.

(PCA)
Your PCA is not responsible for supervising your builder or tradespeople or
Councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above.

Find out more about

certificate.
for ensuring the quality of fit and finish of building work. In these cases, a working with a PCA
5 Find in
out about inspections

our new guide Ifat you believe your PcA is unreasonably delaying the release
At least two days before work starts, the PcA must inform you about
Building Professionals Board
Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue approvals required for
complaint can be made to NSW Fair Trading (www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au),
Parramatta NSW 2150

certificate), or if no decision is made after a certain period. You cannot

the inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder

anyone intending to build

will make arrangements with the PcA for inspections to be carried out
Tel: (02) 9895 5950
Fax: (02) 9895 5949

www.bpb.nsw.gov.au of your certificate or approval you should, in the first instance, discuss
as needed. The PcA may not be able to issue certificates for completed
work if inspections are not undertaken.
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au

the body responsible for licensing builders.

www.bpb.nsw.gov.au

6 Obtain an occupation certificate

this with the PcA. If you are not satisfied after
Guide to the that, contact the Board
building
Find out more about
working with a PCA in
Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an 5 Find out about inspections 5 Find out about inspections
Building Professionals Board
Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue
Find out more

our new guide at

At least two days before work starts, the PCA must inform you about At least two days before work starts, the PcA must inform you about the Building Professionals Board
the inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder
Parramatta NSW inspections
2150 required and you must inform your builder. The builder will make Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue

occupation certificate from your PcA.

will make arrangements with the PCA for inspections to be carried out
Tel: (02) 9895 5950
arrangements with the PcA for inspections to be carried out as needed. The Parramatta NSW 2150
Fax: (02) 9895 5949

approvals process
as needed. The PCA may not be able to issue certificates for completed Tel: (02) 9895 5950
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au
PcA may not be able to issue certificates for completed work if inspections
work if inspections are not undertaken
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au
are not undertaken Fax: (02) 9895 5949
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au

for advice and assistance.

The PcA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is 6 6
Obtain an occupation certificate This brochure is part of a suite Obtain an occupation
of Guides available certificate
from www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.
Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an Find out more about Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an Choosing and working
This brochure is part of a suite of Guides available from www.bpb.nsw.gov.au. Guide to the building
occupation certificate from your PCA. working with a PCA occupation certificate
in from your PcA.
with a Principal approvals process
5 Find out about inspections Find out more

our new guide at

suitable to occupy. If satisfied, they will issue an occupation certificate.

At least two days before work starts, the PcA must inform you about the Building Professionals Board

The PCA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it

inspections required and you must inform your builder. The builder will make Level 3 10 Valentine Avenue

www.bpb.nsw.gov.au
The PcA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is safe to
arrangements with the PcA for inspections to be carried out as needed. The
PcA may not be able to issue certificates for completed work if inspections
are not undertaken
Parramatta NSW 2150
Tel: (02) 9895 5950
Fax: (02) 9895 5949
Email: bpb@bpb.nsw.gov.au

is suitable to occupy. Where satisfied, they will issue an occupation 6 occupy. Where satisfied, they will issue
Obtain an occupation certificate
Guidean occupation
to the building certificate.
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au

Certifying Authority
Before you can occupy the building, you must apply for and obtain an This brochure is part of a suite of Guides available from www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

certificate.
occupation certificate from your PcA.
approvals process
You can appeal to the Land and Environment court if the council refuses
The PcA will inspect the completed building work to determine if it is safe to
occupy. Where satisfied, they will issue an occupation certificate.
You can appeal to the Land and Environment court if the council refuses

You can appeal to the Land and Environment Court if the council
to issue a construction certificate or final occupation certificate, or if no

to issue a construction certificate or final occupation

decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal against the
decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application for a certificate. A six-step guide to thecertificate, or if no

A six-step guide to the

7
However, if the certifier fails to issue a certificate within a reasonable period,
approvals required for
refuses to issue a construction certificate or final occupation certificate,
(PCA)
a complaint may be lodged with the Building Professionals Board. The

decision is made after a certain period. You

Board may conciliate the dispute, discipline the certifier, or approve a change
cannot appeal against the
anyone intending to build

You can appeal to the Land and Environment court if the council efuses
to another certifying authority.

or if no decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application for a certificate. A six-step guide to the
ImPorTANT NoTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above brochure.
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to issue
these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. Before you © State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board

against the decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application

engage a certifier, you should check their level of accreditation at
DIScLAImEr: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

However, if the certifier fails to issue a certificate within a reasonable period,

publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person

approvals required for

in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above. any part of the document.

for a certificate. a complaint may be lodged with the Building Professionals Board. The
anyone intending to build

ImPorTANT NoTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice
If you believe your PCA has or is unreasonably delaying the release Board may conciliate the dispute, discipline the certifier, or approve a change

to issue a final occupation certificate (or construction certificate), or if

What is Council’s role?

of your certificate or approval you should, in the first instance, discuss to another certifying authority.
this with the PCA. If you are not satisfied after that, contact the Board A guide for owners and
ImPorTANT NoTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice
for advice and assistance.
Notnotallconstitute
accredited private
Users certifiers
are advised tocan issue alladvice
of the above occupiers who intend to build
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
brochure.

no decision is made after a certain period. You cannot appeal against

Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to
IMPORTANT NOTE: This brochure does legal advice. seek professional
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to issue
brochure.
these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. Before you
or subdivide and need a PCA
© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board
© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board. February 2011.
engage a certifier, you should check their level of accreditation at

A guide for anyone intending

A six-step guide to the
issue these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. DISCLAIMER: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of DIScLAImEr: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
publication, the State of New South www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.

the decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an application for a

Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person
Before you engage a certifier, you should check their level of in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above. any part of the document.
accreditation at www.bpb.nsw.gov.au. any part of the document.

and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this

appeal against the decision of an accredited certifier to refuse an

Councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above.

certificate.
If you believe your PcA is unreasonably delaying the release
approvals required for
of your certificate or approval you should, in the first instance, discuss
this with the PcA. If you are not satisfied after that, contact the Board
anyone intending to build brochure.
for advice and assistance.

Beyond its responsibilities as and when it is appointed as a PCA, your local

to build or subdivide
ImPorTANT NoTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this

© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board. March 2011.
brochure.

Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above
© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board. March 2011.
Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above

council has powers under legislation to require compliance with relevant

DIScLAImEr: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person
issue these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
any part of the document.

DIScLAImEr: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
Before you engage a certifier, you should check their level of

legislation and approvals. This gives council the authority to issue orders and
accreditation at www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.
certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to
councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above.
publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person
issue these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation.

application for a certificate.

in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
on-the-spot fines or even, in the worse cases, take court action. any part of the document.
Before you engage a certifier, you should check their level of

approvals required for

accreditation at www.bpb.nsw.gov.au.
BPB-0174_Building-Approvals_DL_v10.indd 1
councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above. 8/03/11 2:14 PM

IMPORTANT NOTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice

If you believe your PCA is unreasonably delaying the release

and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
brochure.

© State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board. March 2011.

anyone intending to build

DISCLAIMER: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person

of your certificate or approval you should, in the first instance, discuss

in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
any part of the document.

this with the PCA. If you are not satisfied after that, contact the Board
for advice and assistance. BPB-0174_Building-Approvals_DL_v10.indd 1 8/03/11 2:14 PM

IMPORTANT NOTE: This brochure does not constitute legal advice. Users are advised to seek professional advice
and refer to the relevant legislation, as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters covered by this
Not all accredited private certifiers can issue all of the above brochure.

certificates or conduct mandatory inspections. Their authority to © State of New South Wales through the Building Professionals Board. April 2011.

issue these certificates depends upon their level of accreditation. DISCLAIMER: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of
publication, the State of New South Wales, its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person
Before you engage a certifier, you should check their level of in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
accreditation at www.bpb.nsw.gov.au. any part of the document.

Councils can issue all of the certificates mentioned above.

 1 Speak to council 2 Applying for a development application 4 Appoint a Principal Certifying Authority
If you intend to renovate, demolish, build, develop or use land, speak to or a complying development certificate A Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) is the only person or body who can
your local council, or other building professionals such as town planners or Development application (DA) issue interim or final occupation certificates.
accredited certifiers, who can tell you about: Council, or other building professionals such as a town planner or You must appoint your PCA before work commences. Only the person
accredited certifier, will advise if you need to lodge a DA. In almost all cases with the benefit of development consent (usually the landowner) can appoint
• the rules for developing the particular site under council’s Local
council issues the development consent, though a State agency may do the PCA; the builder cannot appoint the PCA, unless they are also the
Environmental Plan (LEP) and relevant State planning policies
occasionally. Accredited certifiers cannot assess DAs. landowner.
• any obligations you will have under planning legislation
Complying development certificate (CDC) Your PCA can be either an accredited certifier, council or the consent
• what pre-commencement works must also take place A complying development certificate is an alternative to a DA and only authority. The PCA inspects work during construction to ensure that it is
• the development assessment process available for routine work classed as complying development under council’s generally consistent with the approved plans and is fit to occupy having
• any issues that might affect the development and use of the site. planning controls or a State planning policy. regard to required building standards.
A complying development certificate is issued if a proposed development Although a PCA is appointed, ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure
This information will help you work out what approvals are required. If complies with relevant planning controls and building controls under the conditions of development consent are met. The PCA should, however,
your proposal is classified as ‘exempt development’, you will not require Building Code of Australia (BCA). check the builder is licensed and that home warranty insurance has been
approval.
Accredited certifiers and councils can issue complying development obtained.
certificates. The certificate must be obtained before any building work Read the conditions of consent carefully, note which conditions must be met
Building approvals process commences, including site works such as demolition and excavation. at different stages, and liaise regularly with your builder and PCA to ensure
You should enter into a contract with the builder and obtain home warranty conditions are satisfied.
Development application Complying development insurance before work commences. This will help you avoid delays, or worse – a fine from council, costly
certificate
remedial work or an order to demolish unauthorised works.
Construction certificate
3 Apply for a construction certificate (CC)
If you have development consent after submitting a DA to council, you need As the person having the benefit of development consent, you must
Appointment of a a construction certificate before you can start building work. If you give council at least two days notice in writing of your intention to
Principal Certifying have a complying development certificate, you do not need a construction commence work on the site, and must notify council in writing at least
Authority (PCA) certificate. two days before building work commences of your appointed PCA.
A construction certificate confirms building plans comply with the BCA, are You can give these notices to council together.
Notice to council of ‘not inconsistent’ with the development consent, and comply with relevant
proposed commencement/
conditions of the development consent. Accredited certifiers and councils
appointed PCA
can issue construction certificates.
A construction certificate (or complying development certificate) must be
Inspections
obtained before building work commences. Without one, you cannot obtain
an occupation certificate at the completion of building work.
Occupation certificate