Construction Process

There are 7 steps in the Construction Process

 

Step 1.

Application for Construction Certificate

A construction certificate is required after development consent is issued and before work is carried out.  The construction certificate is a certificate verifying that relevant matters specified in a development consent and applicable legislation have been satisfied.  It can be issued by either Council or an Accredited Private Certifier.  If you would like Council to issue the construction certificate, you will need to complete the Construction Certificate Application Form and lodge the form with Council.

Step 2.

Issue of Construction Certificate

Council or the Accredited Private Certifier will issue a Construction Certificate after they are satisfied that:

  • the construction certificate plans and specifications are consistent with the development consent;
  • the development complies with the Building Code of Australia and all relevant technical standards;
  • all required conditions of development consent have been complied with; and
  • all fees and contributions have been paid.

Step 3.

Appointment of Principal Certifying Authority

A Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) is required to inspect the building work during the course of construction to ensure compliance with the relevant standards.  This PCA may be the Council or an Accredited Private Certifier.  If you wish to appoint Council as the PCA, complete the Principal Certifying Authority Service Agreement and submit to Council.  If you do not appoint Council as the PCA, you must notify Council of the appointment of the Accredited Certifier at least 2 days prior to the commencement of any building work. 

Step 4.

Notice of Commencement

Council must be notified of the intended commencement of works at least 2 days prior to the commencement of any works.  This can be done by completing the Notice of Commencement Form and lodging the form with Council.

Step 5.

Critical Stage Inspections

Your PCA will give you a list of the mandatory critical stage inspections and any other inspections determined by the PCA that will be required throughout the construction of the building.  Under the provisions of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, these inspections are mandatory.  You need to be aware of these inspections as they are required to be carried out at the appropriate time.

If Council is appointed as the PCA, your principal contractor (builder) will need to contact Council at least 48 hours before an inspection is required.  If you are an owner-builder, you will need to contact Council at least 48 hours before an inspection is required.

Step 6.

Issue of Occupation Certificate

Prior to the occupation or the use of any building an occupation certificate must be issued by the PCA. The Occupation Certificate verifies that the PCA is satisfied that the building is suitable to occupy or use in terms of the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and relevant development consent conditions.

In the case of buildings other than single dwellings, dual occupancies and related development, the application must be accompanied by a fire safety certificate.  The certificate may be an interim or a final certificate and may be issued for the whole or any part of the building.

Step 7.

Refund of Damage Deposit

If Council is the PCA, Council will carry out a footpath inspection after the final inspection has been completed to determine if any damage has been done during the construction works.  If an Accredited Private Certifier is the PCA, Council will carry out a footpath inspection after the occupation certificate has been received by Council. If no damage has occurred during construction, Council will refund the damage deposit. For further information regarding Damage Deposits and Damage Reports,

You will not be penalised for any pre-existing damage that is shown on the Driveway and Footpath Pre-Commencement Damage Report.

 

Note: This is a general guide of the steps involved in the construction process only.  In some cases there may be additional steps that are required to be completed throughout the Construction Phase, for example when an application has deferred commencement conditions.