Building (Construction Certificate)

1. Make sure there is a Development Consent. Read the consent and comply with the relevant conditions
2. Make sure there is a Construction Certificate
3. Make sure a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) has been appointed. A PCA means the authority (Council) or accredited person appointed to carry out inspections and issue Occupation Certificates. NOTE: Only Council is authorised to carry out plumbing and drainage inspections
4. Make sure your Notice to Start Work form has been submitted
5. Obtain all relevant permits and other approvals
6. Make sure that the required signage has been provided to identify the site, builder’s information, PCA, etc.
7. Make sure that a builder’s toilet is available in accordance with Work Cover requirements
8. Ensure all environment controls are in place eg sediment fence; hoardings; dust control. The environmental issues you must consider when demolishing, excavating or building are:
   • protecting heritage items and contributory buildings
   • occupational health and safety and public safety
   • good site management including waste management
   • preventing erosion and controlling sediments
   • limiting hours of work to mitigate noise impacts on neighbours
   • limiting hours of work to mitigate traffic and parking impacts on neighbours
   • timing deliveries to mitigate traffic and parking impacts on neighbours
   • provision for storage including chemical storage
   Visit the NSW Workcover and Department of Environment and Conservation websites.
9. Make sure provisions have been made for construction waste
10. Tell the neighbours you are about to start work and if an excavation is proposed below the level of the footings of a building on an adjoining allotment the notice must be given in writing to the owner at least seven (7) days before excavation commences

Contact the Building and Environmental Health Unit (link) 24 hours prior to any of the required inspections. Council’s inspection service is flexible to accommodate any specific needs.

You will need the following when booking:

• Approval number
• Owner's name
• Site address
• Type of inspection
• Date inspection required
• Contact name and telephone number

NOTE: Ensure that you continue to monitor the conditions of your consent during the various stages of construction.