Renovate PlansVIEW MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BUILDING CERTIFICATES
What Is a Building Information Certificate?
A Building Information Certificate (BIC) is a certificate of non-action that is obtained prior to the settlement of property or to remedy unauthorised works. A building certificate prevents the Council from issuing certain types of orders for seven (7) years.
Building Information Certificates are issued under Division 6.7 of the Environmental Planning Assessment Act 1979 which outlines their full effect.
Unauthorised Building Works Need Council Approval
If you plan to undertake building works on a property that you own or occupy, it is important to check whether council approval is required. Depending on the type of work and the local regulations, you may need to obtain a building permit or development approval from the local council or other relevant government authority before you can begin the work. Failure to obtain the necessary approvals can result in fines or penalties, and may even require you to undo or remove the works that have been done. It is always best to check with the local council before starting any building works to ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant regulations.
What Documents Are Required?
Detailed description of the scope of the work to which the BIC relates;
Building plans, drawn to scale, as constructed;
Identification survey report;
Any associated development consent/construction certificate/complying development certificate/occupation certificate;
Structural engineering certificate;
Waterproofing certificate;
Termite certificate;
Smoke alarm certificate; and
A completed application form, along with any other files requested by Council.
Retrospective Approval For Future/on-going Use
If a building is being used without approval for the use, such as a garage converted to a granny flat, a development application can be submitted to a council for review and approval. If the use of the land or activity is not currently allowed by the council’s regulations, the applicant can seek consent to regularize it. The council will then have the opportunity to consider the application and may impose conditions to regulate the activity. This may be enough to satisfy the council’s requirements.
What Can Be Done?
Before the council issues any demolition order for unauthorised building work, you have the opportunity to obtain approval retrospectively through the submission of a Development Application (DA) and/or a Building Certificate and/or an Occupation Certificate (OC).
A Building Certificate shows that the works comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and other relevant standards. If issued, it provides assurance that the council will not pursue any enforcement action for 7 years. Additionally, it can also assist with property sales, as many potential buyers may request one before closing the sale.
Our Process for Building Certificates
Review any documentation or Orders that Council has sent you;
Assess the likelihood of approval and discuss general requirements;
Visit the property for a site measure and simultaneously arrange necessary consultants;
Produce “as-built” plans and reports as well as collate consultants documents;
Submit the application on your behalf and liaise with Council.
