What Is The Difference Between A Building Permit and A Construction Certificate?

Before you undertake any construction project in New South Wales, there are some important steps to take in order to keep everything above board. This includes making the right plans and seeking the right permits.

The National Construction Code (NCC) sets the standards for the design, construction and performance of both residential and commercial buildings, as well as plumbing and drainage systems, in Australia.

Maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board in partnership with the Federal and State governments, this three-volume code establishes the legal standards your project must comply with. This includes administrative requirements like plans and approvals that need to be addressed before the building process can start. 

Construction certificates and building permit applications in NSW are both essential steps when preparing to do construction work, but they’re different documents with different purposes. So when is a construction certificate required, and how do you set out to get one, especially when you’re already snowed under with other tasks during a workday?

If preparing for a construction project feels like wading through a sea of documentation, SSTC can help. With 25+ years of combined experience in the construction industry, we know a lot about how to meet standards and fulfil legal requirements in NSW. We’ll take the uncertainty out of applying for plans and permits so you no longer have to wonder if there’s something you’ve forgotten.  

Here is the SSTC guide to construction certificates and building permits: what they specify, why you need each one, and the differences between the two.  

What is a Building Permit?

Also known as a development permit, a construction permit or a building development approval, a building permit is a certification that your project complies with the proper legislation and codes. It states that your building will be completed to acceptable standards, taking into account zoning regulations, environmental regulations and all other applicable laws. Building permits are just as much about addressing safety issues as measuring up to legal requirements. They help to ensure a proposed construction project doesn’t risk people’s health, pollute the surrounding area or impact the structural integrity of the foundation.

Building permit applications in NSW are submitted to the local council along with the relevant documentation and fees. The application needs to include detailed plans as well as proof of legal compliance. If you start building without a building permit, this can lead to consequences such as stop work orders, fines and even court action.

There’s a lot to remember when it comes to building permit applications in NSW and more than a few variables to weigh up. There are also a few types of fees to consider, including the application, inspection and compliance certification fees. The project’s estimated value heavily impacts the total costs. All of these factors, along with material and labour costs, should form part of your total budget for the project.

If it all seems like a lot to keep track of and you’re already busy focusing on what you do best, you can lighten your load by turning to the experts at SSTC for help. 

What is a Construction Certificate?

Prior to starting any kind of construction work in NSW, you’ll need to apply for a construction certificate (CC). This document confirms that your plans and specifications comply with the Building Code of Australia and local council requirements.

A construction certificate verifies a number of important points. It’s a document that’s acquired before a building permit as a rule and helps to make sure:

• Your intended construction work complies with the rules of the Building Code of Australia.
• The design and construction work you’ve depicted in your submitted plans is consistent with development consent. 
• You’ve provided security as a condition of consent.
• You’ve provided any monetary contributions that are required as a condition of consent.
• Requirements of structural strength and fire protection have been met, including a fire safety schedule.
• Your local fire brigade has been notified of the application, and you’ve addressed any concerns they have raised. 

It’s important to acquire your construction certificate after you’re granted development consent but before any actual building work is carried out. The application for the certificate needs to include a complete application form, detailed building and construction plans, fees paid and any other relevant documents required. If you’re not sure what kind of documents and paperwork you need, all the more reason to call upon an organisation like SSTC for help. 

When Is A Building Permit And A Construction Certificate Needed?

Both documents are essential when carrying out any kind of construction work in NSW. Yet, to put it simply, a construction certificate confirms your compliance with the right building codes and regulations before construction begins, while a building permit grants permission to begin based on approval of the plans. While you need the approval of both to begin any physical work on your project, the certificate always comes first.

Calling on professionals like SSTC to complete the permits and documentation for you can make the process much easier and free you up to focus on your business. Contact SSTC for more information on when each document is needed and how to get it.

Effective Plans and Permits at SSTC

Plans and permits are an important part of your construction project and essential to making sure you fulfil your legal requirements and keep your people safe. Nobody likes paperwork, which is why SSTC can take control of this part of the job with our plans and permits that take worker safety, public safety and traffic control on board. Build a solid foundation for your project to succeed by doing it the right way, the SSTC way.

Trusted by some of Australia’s largest construction companies, SSTC has a rich knowledge and extensive experience in construction industry planning and permits. We’ll be able to assess your situation and identify which documents and authorisations you need and which regulatory bodies you have to apply through and then liaise with those bodies on your behalf. Sometimes, it’s hard to know who you have to get in contact with, which is why our in-house Authority Liaison can navigate these waters for you. We can also help with construction traffic management plans, traffic control plans, swept path diagrams and site establishment.

In a busy city like Sydney with heavy traffic and high security needs to manage, it helps to find a security and traffic control company that takes a disciplined and proactive approach. A family-owned business run by a director with decades of military experience, SSTC brings a unique focus and dedication to our operations, as well as ironclad commitments to safety, integrity, teamwork and communication. G10/RMS-accredited, ISO-certified and offering competitive rates, we bring our 25+ years of combined experience and meet the high standards your business requires. All of our work is carried out in accordance with the latest in workplace health and safety and best practice procedures.

Give your construction project the highest chance of success during the planning stages and watch the whole operation run much more smoothly. Find out more about construction certificates and building permit applications in NSW, and contact SSTC for a free quote.