Complying Development Certificates

Many developments are classed as complying development and do not need development consent from Council. Additionally, complying development does not require a construction certificate before commencing construction. If your development is complying development you will need to complete the following before commencing construction:

• Obtain a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). A CDC is a combined planning and building approval which allows for the fast track certification of many minor developments.

• Appoint a principal certifier (PC). A PC oversees the development’s construction phase and completes mandatory building inspections, known as critical stage inspections, to make sure that building standards are met.
• Complete a notice of commencement of works (at least two days before commencing work) and a Contract for Certification Works.

• Obtain an Occupation Certificate (OC). An OC authorises the occupation and use of a new building or building section.

For further information on complying development please refer to the Check webpage.

All applications and related documentation must be lodged with Council electronically via the NSW Planning Portal. Please refer to the Submit webpage for further information.

Building Works & Occupation

If your development:

• required development consent, and
• involves building work,

after you have obtained development consent from Council you will need to complete the following before commencing construction:

• Obtain a Construction Certificate (CC). A CC certifies that building work completed in accordance with specified plans and specifications or standards will comply with the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021.

• Appoint a principal certifier (PC). A PC oversees the development’s construction phase and completes mandatory inspections, known as critical stage inspections, to make sure that building standards are met.
• Complete a notice of commencement of works (at least two days before commencing work) and a contract for certification works.

Once the building works are completed you will need to:

• Obtain an Occupation Certificate (OC). An OC authorises the occupation and use of a new building or building section.

All applications and related documentation must be lodged with Council via the Planning Portal. Please refer to the Submit webpage for further information.

Subdivision Works & Registration

If your development:

• required development consent, and
• involves subdivision work,

after you have obtained development consent from Council you will need to complete the following before commencing construction:

• Obtain a Subdivision Works Certificate (SWC). A SWC certifies that subdivision work completed in accordance with specified plans and specifications or standards will comply with the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021.

• Appoint a principal certifier (PC). A PC oversees the development’s construction phase and completes mandatory inspections, known as critical stage inspections, to make sure that building standards are met. Only Council can be appointed the PC for subdivision works.
• Complete a notice of commencement of works (at least two days before commencing work) and, if engaging Council, a contract for certification works.

Once the subdivision works are completed you will need to:

• Obtain a Subdivision Certificate (SC). A SC authorises the registration of a plan of subdivision with NSW Land Registry Services under Part 23 of the Conveyancing Act 1919.

All applications and related documentation must be lodged with Council via the Planning Portal. Please refer to the Submit webpage for further information.

Strata Subdivision

Strata subdivision subdivides property into separate lots and common property. If you propose to strata subdivide property you will need to:

• Check if the Strata subdivision is exempt development or obtain development consent or a Complying Development Certificate.
• Complete all building works and obtain an Occupation Certificate.
• Engage Council or a registered certifier to issue a Strata Certificate.

Further information on Strata subdivision is available on the NSW Land Registry Services website.

All applications and related documentation must be lodged with Council via the Planning Portal. Please refer to the Submit webpage for further information.

Driveways, Road Openings & Other Activities

Certain works and activities within public road reserves or public land require Council’s approval under the Roads Act 1993. This can include the construction of a new driveway crossover, the connection of stormwater/utility services, road/footpath construction or by placing a skip bin or crane on the road.

Although such works may be associated with building or subdivision works already approved by a development consent or a complying development certificate, a separate approval under the Roads Act 1993 is still required.

All Roads Act 1993 approvals must be obtained prior to commencing works, the issue of a complying development certificate and as required by any conditions imposed by Council on a development consent.

Fire Safety

Visit the Fire Safety page for advice and information about fire safety for buildings and Fire Safety Statements.

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