• August 21, 2025
• By JEP Team

So, you’ve got your development approval, all plans are ticked off by Council and you think you’re ready to go. But not so fast, you can’t start building yet! Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, it’s a legal requirement to obtain a Construction Certificate before any construction or physical work begins on site.

You might be thinking: “I just spent all that time getting the development approval, now I have to get a Construction Certificate! What could possibly be the difference?” 

Note that a development consent approves what you’re allowed to build or how you use a property. Whereas a Construction Certificate focuses on how your project will be built or modified. It ensures your plans meet the requirements of the National Construction Code, Australian Standards for engineering, design and safety as well as other conditions set by local Council.

Acquiring a Construction Certificate requires you to prepare and submit a range of reports and documents, some of these may include:

• Detailed construction plans
• Detailed structural engineering plans
• Detailed civil engineering plans 
• Detailed mechanical engineering plans 
• Detailed electrical engineering plans 
• Specifications for materials and construction
• Energy efficiency compliance documents 
• Council water and road crossing approvals
• Environmental management plans
• Compliance with DA conditions
• Payment of development contributions 

These documents often require input from external professionals such as architects, engineers and surveyors.

Once you have gathered all the reports, you must submit your application to an approval body, either your local Council or a Registered Certifier. Many developers prefer to go through a Registered Certifier as it is often quicker than going through Council.

Once you receive your Construction Certificate, you’re officially permitted to commence building, provided you’ve notified the Council and, in most cases, your neighbours before work begins.

Finally, make sure you also appoint a Registered Certifier, who will carry out inspections during construction and ultimately issue your Occupation Certificate when the project is complete.

If you need support navigating the Construction Certificate process, our team of experienced environmental and industrial planners are here to help. Reach us at (02) 8056 1849 or email us at  admin@jacksonenvironment.com.au. More info at https://www.jacksonenvironment.com.au.