NSW approvals
Statutory certificate lodgement guide
The steps from preparing your documents to the final Occupation Certificate, including the NSW Planning Portal, neighbour notice and inspections.
Step 01
Prepare your documents
Plans, reports and certificates
Collect the architectural plans, survey, engineering details, BASIX certificate and your lot's section 10.7 planning certificate. Before lodgement, we review these against the planning standards and the National Construction Code.
Step 02
Lodge on the NSW Planning Portal
Online application
Your application for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Construction Certificate (CC) is lodged through the NSW Planning Portal, with CertifiBuild nominated as the certifier. We check that the application and fees are complete.
Step 03
Assessment and certificate
CDC or CC issued before work starts
We review the plans and list any gaps in writing. For many metropolitan CDCs, neighbours within 20 metres have to be notified no less than 14 days ahead of the certificate being issued. When everything complies, the CDC or CC is issued.
Step 04
Before work starts
Principal Certifier and notices
You appoint a Principal Certifier, then lodge a notice of commencement no later than 2 days before the work starts. With a CDC, neighbours within 20 metres must also be informed before work begins: 7 days ahead or more in metropolitan areas, or 2 days ahead in regional, rural and release areas.
Step 05
Critical stage inspections
Inspections as the build progresses
Your builder books every required inspection, for example footings, slab, frame, waterproofing of wet areas and stormwater. Nothing is covered until that stage has passed inspection.
Step 06
Final inspection and OC
Occupation Certificate
We issue the Occupation Certificate after the final inspection is complete and every required certificate has been provided (such as glazing, smoke alarms and engineering sign-offs). From then, the building may be occupied or used.
Key requirements to keep in mind
In NSW, development requires the correct approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and building work has to comply with the National Construction Code. Notice periods differ depending on location and the kind of work, so we confirm them for your project.
Which certificates can CertifiBuild issue?
Our registered certifiers issue Complying Development Certificates (CDC), Construction Certificates (CC) and Occupation Certificates (OC), and act as Principal Certifier, for Class 1 buildings and Class 10 structures.
Do I need to lodge on the NSW Planning Portal myself?
You or your designer can lodge directly, nominating CertifiBuild as the certifier. We can guide you through the steps.
Ready to start?
You will get a list of the documents required, along with a written fee proposal.