Apply for a new or amend a Construction Certificate (CC)

Applicants must read the following document before applying for a Construction Certificate (CC): 

Applications are now submitted online via the ePlanning Portal (see Electronic Application Requirements). 

Council as Accredited Certifier (Online)

Step 1.Create/log into your account

Register an account and apply your CC via ePlanning Portal.

For help, refer to the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment’s Quick Reference Guides.

If you require assistance using the Planning Portal, and you were unable to find the answer from Help and Support section, contact ServiceNSW on 1300 305 695 or email info@service.nsw.gov.au.

Step 2.Nominate Council

Nominate “Willoughby City Council” as the Accredited Certifier.

Step 3.Create a new online application

Create a new electronic application and fill in the application details by following the prompts online.

For help, use this quick reference guide from the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment website.

Step 4.Upload all necessary documents

Once you have entered most of the application details, you will be prompted to upload documents.

Please follow Council’s Electronic Application Requirements for guidance on how to prepare your digital files, particularly to ensure you name your files within 100 characters, save them in PDF format and limit the size of your files to 300MB.

Step 5.Review all application details and uploaded documents

Please note carefully the declaration statements you check in the checkboxes before submitting your application.

Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement email regarding your submitted application.

Important note: your submitted application via the Portal is NOT considered "formally lodged" until Council advises in writing via post/email or “accepts” it via the Portal and upon payment of application fees.

Step 6.Wait for Council’s review

Council will review your application and assesses whether or not your application is acceptable.

You will be advised in writing via the email to provide additional information or to pay the relevant application fees as required.

Step 7.Provide additional information

If your application is deemed:

  1. inadequate, you may be requested for Additional Information in a letter sent via an automatically generated email from the Portal; or
  2. adequate, you will be advised by a formal “Fee Request Letter” sent directly via Council’s email.

Step 8.Pay the required certificate related fees

When your application is deemed adequate, pay your required fees as advised by the “Fee Request Letter” via the methods specified on the letter.

These fees may include:

Your application will then be considered “lodged” and registered onto Council’s computer system

Step 9.Preliminary Assessment

The lodged application will be allocated to a Certification Officer who will carry out an inspection, and may request more information.

The preliminary assessment (including a site inspection) by the Certification Officer is generally made within a week after lodgement.

Step 10.Notice of Determination if conditions are satisfied

Where all related conditions of consent prior to the issue of CC have been satisfied and the application deemed compliant with National Construction Code - NCC (AKA: Building Code of Australia - BCA), a Notice of Determination will be issued.

Note: satisfying conditions of consent may include the payment of (where applicable):

Step 11.Appoint your Principal Certifier (PC)

Once your CC has been issued, you will have to further appoint a Certifier (Council or Private) as the PC to inspect the works.

As a courtesy and part of your Notice of Determination package, Council attaches a draft PC Appointment & Service Agreement and Fee Proposal which includes:

To appoint Council as the PC, visit the ePlanning Portal and nominate “Willoughby City Council” as the PC

Note: remember to upload your signed PC Appointment & Service Agreement and other documents as required by the checklist(PDF, 164KB) as part of your documentation.

Step 12.Before Carrying out the Works

Before starting works, ensure:

  • works comply with Home Building Act requirements;
  • you display PC appointment signage, safety barriers, erosion control etc.

Carry out the works as required, ensuring mandatory inspections are carried out by the Certifier.

Step 13.Get an Occupation Certificate (OC)

Obtain an Occupation Certificate before you occupy the new part or whole of the building works. Council will commence to refund of any damage deposits (if applicable).

Private Accredited Certifier

Step 1.Search and Nominate a Certifier

Read more about finding and appointing a certifier

Get in touch with them and make arrangement to formally engage them as your Certifier.

Step 2.Submit documents to the Certifier

Documentation as required by your nominated Certifier.

Step 3.Wait for Certifier’s review / assessment

Your nominated Certifier will review your application and assesses whether or not your application is adequate.

You will be advised to provide additional information or to pay the relevant fees as required.

Step 4.Certifier issues CC if conditions are satisfied

Where all related conditions of consent prior to the issue of CC have been satisfied and the application deemed compliant with National Construction Code - NCC (AKA: Building Code of Australia - BCA), a Notice of Determination will be issued.

Note: satisfying conditions of consent may include the payment of (where applicable):

Step 5.Appoint your Principal Certifier (PC)

Once your CC has been issued, you will have to further appoint a Certifier (you may choose to appoint Council) as the PC to inspect the works.

Step 6.Before Carrying out the Works

Before starting works, ensure:

  • works comply with Home Building Act requirements;
  • you display PC appointment signage, safety barriers, erosion control etc.

Carry out the works as required, ensuring mandatory inspections are carried out by the Certifier.

Step 7.Get an Occupation Certificate (OC)

Obtain an Occupation Certificate before you occupy the new part or whole of the building works and seek Council’s refund of any damage deposits (if applicable).