When to apply for a Building Information Certificate?

A Building Information Certificate is a document issued by Council relating to existing works to a building. A Building Information Certificate is usually requested by buyers or sellers of property before settlement to make sure that what is being bought or sold is not going to be the subject of action by Council.

Often a Building Information Certificate is requested when work is undertaken without the appropriate approvals being issued by Council or a registered certifier.  A Building Information Certificate states that Council will not take any action for a period of 7 years to Order, or take proceedings for an Order, to have the building covered by the certificate to:

• be demolished, altered, added to or rebuilt, or
• resolve any encroachment by the building onto land under the control of Council.

Building Information Certificate application requirements

A Building Information Certificate application may be requested for either a part or the whole building and may be requested by:

1. The owner of the property.
2. Another person, with the consent of the owner of the property.
3. The purchaser of a property under a contract of sale (including the purchaser's solicitor or agent).
4. A public authority that has notified the owner of its intention to apply for the certificate.

How to apply for a Building Information Certificate?

You can apply online for a Building Information Certificate via the NSW Planning Portal.

You will need:

• A MyService NSW Account or your Planning Portal login details.
• An original, or certified copy, of a survey report and plan (if the land is zoned residential), or
• A survey report (if the land is situated in other zones).
• Specific documents requested by Council such as building plans, specifications, certificates (if applicable).
• Your payment – you will be required to pay a NSW Planning Portal Service Fee of $40.

Also once Council is informed of your application’s lodgement in the NSW Planning Portal,after reviewing information submitted, Council will generate an invoice for fees to be paid in accordance with Council’s Fees and Charges.
 

• Once payment is received by Council the application will be formally accepted and the applicant notified through the NSW Planning Portal.

Apply online for a building information certificate through the NSW Planning Portal.  

Building Information Certificate Checklist