Thursday, 24 July 2008
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After a development application is approved, a Construction Certificate is needed before building actually begins. A Construction Certificate is an approval that:
- Makes sure that the detailed construction plans and specifications comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and any other relevant Australian standard.
- Certifies that the detailed construction plans and specifications are consistent with the Development Consent.
- Certifies that the relevant development consent conditions have been complied with.
- Certifies that all necessary contributions and fees have been paid.
A Construction Certificate can be issued by Council or a private Accredited Certifier. If issued by a private Accredited Certifier, a copy of the certificate, associated plans and specifications must be forwarded to Council within two days after the date of determination.
Once you have development consent and have then obtained a Construction Certificate, you need to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) before starting work. A PCA is either Council or a private Accredited Certifier who oversees the construction or subdivision process. Council must be told who has been appointed PCA at least two days before building starts.
The PCA will conduct an inspection of each required stage of construction and issue an Occupation Certificate (for any building work) when all the pre-conditions specified in the development consent have been met and the building is suitable for occupation or use in accordance with its classification under the Building Code of Australia.
A Construction Certificate is only valid while the Development Consent is still in date, so works must be commenced before the Development Consent lapses.