Applications for a construction certificate must include detailed building plans and specifications. Council's Building Certification Services business unit provides quality and cost-effective certification and inspection services. Construction certificates are usually issued within 14 to 21 days when all the required details are provided.

A construction certificate can only be issued if:

• the design and construction of the building (as shown in the construction certificate application and plans) is consistent with the development consent
• the proposed building will comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• the relevant conditions of the development consent have been complied with, for example: provision of security deposits, payment of monetary contributions, BASIX energy efficiency and water saving requirements, and any conditions requiring modifications to the development or any other matters to be submitted to the Council for assessment
• a number of other relevant legislative provisions have been met.

Conditions cannot be imposed on a construction certificate. This means the plans, specifications and associated documentation must be fully detailed and show compliance with the development consent and relevant provisions of the BCA & Australian Standards.

If a construction certificate is issued by an accredited certifier, a copy of the certificate and associated plans and specifications must be forwarded to Council within two days and Council must be provided with written notice two days before work commences.

How to apply for a construction certificate

Fill out a Construction Certificate Application Form  and submit it with:

• details of the building for the Australian Bureau of Statistics
• four copies of detailed building plans and building specifications
• four copies of structural engineering plans, or other technical details, such as mechanical ventilation details, stormwater drainage details, timber/metal framing and fire safety details
• full details of compliance with the Building Code of Australia
• details of compliance with the relevant BASIX and Building Code of Australia energy efficiency and water saving requirements
• details of compliance with the Home Building Act 1989 insurance provisions for residential building work (ie certificate of insurance)
• details of the licensed builder or owner builder (if known at lodgement stage)
• specific details which are required to be submitted in accordance with the conditions of development consent
• details about the payment of the Building Construction Industry Long Service Leave Levy for building work costing $25,000 or more
• payment of any security deposits or monetary contributions required by the development consent
• a list of existing and proposed essential fire safety measures (except in relation to dwellings and associated structures such as garages, carports, storage sheds or other out-buildings). For example:
• • fire doors
  • hose reels
  • fire hydrants
  • fire extinguishers
  • sprinkler systems
  • fire and smoke detection systems
  • smoke hazard management systems
  • exit signs
  • emergency lighting
• any relevant compliance certificates or other design certification and details
• payment of the application and PCA fees.

You can check your application against the Construction Certificate Application Lodgement Checklist.