
Our Services
Construction Certificates
(CC)
In essence, the CC is a crucial step to ensure that your building project meets regulatory standards and is ready to proceed with construction.
Before starting a building project, a CC is required. This verifies the approved CC aligns with the approved Development Consent and comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) or National Construction Code.
Complying Development Certificates
(CDC)
A CDC is a streamlined approval process for certain types of development that meet specific standards outlined in the State Environmental Planning Policies. The parameters allows for a quicker approval without the need for a traditional Development Approval (DA) from the local council, as long as your project meets CDC standards.
Critical Stage Inspections
These inspections are carried out by the Principle Certifier (PC) to ensure construction meets the meets regulatory requirements and is consistent with the approval.
This is crucial to ensure requirements are satisfied in order to obtain an Occupation Certificate (OC).
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Occupation Certificates (OC)
The final stage of the process is obtaining an OC, which is issued under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
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An OC is required for any new building work approved by a Construction Certificate (CC) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), or change of use of a building where the building classification changes under the Building Code of Australia.
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Swimming Pool Compliance Certificates
Owners who are selling a property with a swimming pool or spa pool must ensure the contract for sale includes a registration certificate issued from the Swimming Pool Register, and one of the following:
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a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance, or
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a relevant occupation certificate issued within the last 3 years, or
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a certificate of non-compliance.

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What is Building Certification?Building certification involves engaging an accredited professional to independently review and approve construction projects, ensuring they meet relevant legislation and building codes. Certifiers primarily handle applications for Construction Certificates and Complying Development Certificates. They can also be appointed as the Principal Certifier, who carry out Mandatory Critical Stage Inspections and issue the Occupation Certificate once the project is completed. The Principal Certifier performs mandatory inspections during construction to ensure compliance with the approved plans and legal requirements. After construction is finished, the property owner or applicant must request an Occupation Certificate from the Principal Certifier. The certifier will conduct a final inspection, request documentation and, if everything meets the necessary standards, a certificate is issued.
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What is a Principle Certifier?A Principal Certifier (PC) is a qualified and accredited persons who is able to issue Approvals, carry out Inspections and issue Occupation Certificate for various developments. The main roles of the PC are to: 1. Ensure compliance with the development consent and the construction certificate or the complying development certificate; 2. Ensure compliance with all development conditions; 3. Ensure compliance with the National Construction Code; 4. Carry out all the required mandatory inspections associated with the building works; 5. Issue the occupation certificate when all works are completed. You will be required to appoint a Principal Certifier (PC) prior to commencing any building work across NSW.
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How long does it take to get an approval?In NSW there is a mandatory Neighbour and Council Notification Period which can span for as long as 14 days, no approval is permitted to be granted within this Notification Period. Once all the documents are provided from the Checklist, an approval can be granted within 2 to 7 days. This is subject to all documents being checked and satisfactory. Your Principal Certifier will be able to help you more by providing a personalized timeframe suitable to your proposed building works.
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What is a Long Service Levy (LSL)?Long Service Levy is a NSW Government fee, payable for building and construction projects costing $250,000 and above (inclusive of GST) and is payable online at https://longservice.my.site.com/bci/s/login/?type=LevyPayer . The levy is paid into a fund administered by the Long Service Corporation, and from this fund, the Corporation makes long service payments to building and construction workers. For more information please go to https://www.longservice.nsw.gov.au/bci/levy.
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What is a Development Application (DA)? And what do I do with it?A Development Application (DA) is a formal application for development that requires assessment and development consent under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It is usually submitted to your local governing council and consists of standard application forms, supporting technical reports and plans. Development Applications are assessed and granted by council. Prior to lodging a Development Application (DA) with Council, you need to review planning policies that apply to your land, in order to prepare your plans and supporting documentation. To see what local environmental planning constraints, applicable planning policies and permissible uses apply to your land or property, you can use the New South Wales Government Planning Portal or alternatively you can engage an independent Town Planner for advice. If consent is granted for your development, a schedule of conditions will be issued with the notice of determination. The development consent is structured to assist in the project management of the development, these conditions are outlined at various stages of the development. Note: The conditions should be read in conjunction with the stamped approved plans. The Development Consent forms the conditions to obtain a Construction Certificate, you are able to appoint a Private Certifier or council as Principal Certifier. Construction of a Development Consent can not begin without a Construction Certificate being issued.
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If I get an approval from OnBuild Certifiers do I also need an approval from Council?If you obtain a Construction Certificate or a Complying Development Certificate from OnBuild Certifiers then your appointed PC will notify council of the approval on your behalf. The client or owner of the property will need to ensure that all council fees, contributions, levy's and bonds have all been paid prior to commencing construction, remittance of payments must be provided to your appointed PC. If you require further information, please contact us on (02) 8107 3853 or email us at info@onbuildcertifiers.com.au
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Are inspections mandatory?Yes. The Environmental Panning & Assessment Regulation (EP&A Reg) sets out the number of mandatory inspections for all types of buildings. Mandatory Inspection are noted in the approval issued by OnBuild Certifiers, if you can't find this section please endeavor to contact us so we can go through the approval with you and explain what the requirements are.
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How do I get an Owner Builder Permit?An application for an Owner Builder Permit may only be issued by NSW Fair Trading once the Complying Development Certificate has been issued. You are required to provide the Principal Certifier with a copy of the Permit at least 2 days prior to commencing works. For further information relating to Owner Builder Permits, visit https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/building-and-renovating