Building Certification Frequently Asked Questions

What is the principal Certifying Authority?

The PCA is a public official whose first responsibility is to meet public safety and regulatory requirements.

A PCA inspects building work during construction by undertaking Critical Stage Inspections to ensure the work is being carried out in accordance with the approval (i.e. development consent/construction certificate or complying development certificate), and the Building Code of Australia.  At the completion of construction, a PCA will issue an Occupation Certificate.  The PCA may be Private or Council.

Note: The PCA must be appointed by the owner of the land.

What is Council’s role when a private certifier has been appointed the PCA?

When a private certifier has been appointed the PCA, the Council generally becomes the “keeper of the records” and is not directly involved in the inspection of the development site.

For more information on ‘Certifiers’ please visit Fairtrading.nsw.gov.au - Certifiers-frequently-asked-questions

What is an Occupation Certificate?

An occupation certificate is a certificate that enables an owner or occupier to legally occupy or use a building.  Occupation Certificates indicate that a building is fit for use in accordance with its classification under the Building Code of Australia.  An occupation certificate can only be issued by the PCA appointed for the building work.

There are two (2) types of occupation certificates:

1. Interim Occupation Certificate

An Interim Occupation Certificate permits occupation of a completed portion of a building.

To enable a PCA to issue an interim occupation certificate, the PCA must be satisfied that the building is structurally adequate and that relevant health and safety provisions of the BCA have been met.

2. Final Occupation Certificate

A Final Occupation Certificate is issued upon completion of all building work and certifies that all conditions of consent have been complied with.

What is the BCA?

A detailed explanation of the BCA and its requirements may be found at the Australian Building Code Board website.  The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a national code specifiying the technical health, life safety, general safety and amenity provisions for buildings. 

Contact us

To contact the team, please telephone 02 9806 5684 (9am -5pm)