Alpine Region post-consent certificates

After receiving consent, there may be certain requirements for you to meet.

In addition, your development will require certain post-consent certificates through construction, completion and commencement of use.

These include:

• a construction certificate before building work can start
• an occupation certificate before a new building can be occupied or an existing building can change its use.

In the Alpine Region, the Department (under delegation of the Minister for Planning) or a private certifier can issue these certificates.

If you receive development consent, before starting construction, you should:

• read and understand your conditions of consent
• engage your certifier (if required)
• if you have a condition that requires that you provide information, start to prepare that information
• seek advice if you need support or have questions about your conditions of approval
• apply for relevant certificates.

Before any building work can start and after you’ve received development consent, you will need to obtain a construction certificate. Visit Your guide to the DA process for more information.

A construction certificate verifies that:

• the detailed construction plans and specification of the development are in accordance with the Building Code of Australia
• contributions and fees have been paid
• development consent conditions are satisfied.

You can apply for a construction certificate from the Department or a private certifier.

You will need to complete an online application on the NSW Planning Portal.

If you apply to the Department for a construction certificate, we will contact you to arrange the payment of the application fee. Your application won’t be lodged until the application fees have been paid.

For a quote to issue a construction certificate for your project, submit an enquiry.

The applicant for a construction certificate must be the person having the benefit of the development consent, or their legal representative.

The determination will be issued through the NSW Planning Portal, including any supporting documents such as approved stamped plans.

You should seek advice from your chosen certifier to confirm what information you will need to provide. Please see below for guidance on commonly required documentation.

A principal certifier must be appointed to work with you through the construction process, carry out mandatory critical stage inspections and issue you with an occupation certificate when the work is completed. This can be done after you have obtained your construction certificate.

The principal certifier checks that work is completed as approved in your development consent. The Department recommends you have ongoing discussions with your principal certifier during the construction process to make sure work is carried out correctly and that you will be able to obtain an occupation certificate.

You can appoint the Department or a private certifier as the principal certifier for your development. To find a private certifier, visit the Service NSW private certifier directory.

You will need to appoint a principal certifier on the NSW Planning Portal. For detailed instructions, refer to the step-by-step guide on appointing a principal certifier.

If you wish to appoint the Department – acting on behalf of the Minister for Planning – as your principal certifier, please contact us for information. We will follow up to discuss fees, service engagement and next steps.

For additional details, see more information on appointing a principal certifier.

After your builder has successfully completed the development, you will need an occupation certificate before occupying or using a new building or changing the use of an existing building. Visit Your guide to the DA process for more information.

The principal certifier will issue your occupation certificate. You can apply for an occupation certificate on the NSW Planning Portal.

Where work has been carried out without appropriate regulatory approvals, you can apply for a building information certificate (BIC).

This confirms the building, or part of the building, covered by the BIC will not be subject to any regulatory action for a 7-year period. This could include:

• demolishing, altering, adding to, or rebuilding
• resolving any encroachment by the building

The Department issues BICs. You can apply for a building information certificate via the NSW Planning Portal.