Council is currently experiencing delays in the assessment of Building Information Certificate applications. Sale of property applications are being prioritised over unauthorised building works.
What is a Building Information Certificate?
A Building Information Certificate (BIC) is usually sought by buyers or sellers of a property to make sure that the building (or part of a building) is not going to be the subject of regulatory action by the Council. It is also commonly applied for when work is undertaken without the appropriate approvals being issued by the council or accredited certifier.
By issuing a Building Information Certificate, Council confirms that it does not propose to issue an order, or commence proceedings for an order or injunction for, the subject building to be demolished, altered, added to or rebuilt. It also confirms Council will not commence proceedings in relation to any encroachment by the subject building onto Council land.
A Building Information Certificate may apply to the whole or part of a building.
Reasons to apply for a BIC?
Unauthorised Building Works
This application type is for building work that has been undertaken without the appropriate approvals being issued by Council or accredited certifier.
Note: Applying for a building information certificate for unauthorised work does not guarantee approval and Council may issue a Notice/Order for the demolition of the unauthorised building or portion.
The following documentation is mandatory at the time of lodgement:
- Owners consent form
- Architectural Plans (as built)
- Statement of Works
- Building Identification Survey identifying the unauthorised works
Sale of Property
This application type 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 regulatory action by Council.
The following documentation is mandatory at the time of lodgement:
- Owners consent form
- Building Identification Survey & Report
How to apply for a Building Information Certificate?
Applications for a Building Information Certificate must be made and lodged on the NSW Planning Portal.
Step 1 - Register or Login
Access the NSW Planning Portal:
Step 2 - Enter your application details
Once you are logged in to the Planning Portal, refer to the DPE Submit a BIC Quick Reference Guide that includes useful screenshots to step applicants through the Planning Portal lodgement process.
Please ensure the mandatory documentation is uploaded with your application, as outined under the reasons to apply above.
The NSW Department of Planning & Environment requires a $43 lodgement fee for all BIC applications.
Step 3 - Preliminary Review
Once your application has been submitted, Council's Certification Review Team will carry out a preliminary review of the application to ensure that the information provided complies with Council’s requirements and that the quality of the documents and plans are adequate.
The Certification Review Team will make a decision based on the information submitted and will either:
- Accept the application,
- Request additional information with a list of matters to be addressed, or
- Return the application with a reason why the application has been returned.
If Council requests additional information, the applicant can then upload the required documentation through the Planning Portal.
If Council returns the application the applicant has the option to re-submit the application with required documentation at a later date.
Step 4 - Application accepted & payment of fees
Following acceptance, Council will send an invoice to the applicant via email.
Once payment is made to Council, the application will then proceed to notification (if required). The notification period for a BIC application is 21 days.
Step 5 - Assessment
The assessing officer will review all plans and supporting documentation, and at this stage it may become evident that further documentation is required to support the application, for example:
- works-as-executed architectural plans
- building identification survey from a registered surveyor
- structural engineers certification of the building
- Building Code of Australia report
- Sydney Water Tap-in
- Compliance certificates from appropriately qualified person
The assessment officer will contact the applicant to arrange a suitable time for a site inspection, review any submissions that have been received, consider legislative requirements and site constraints and proceed to determination.
Track the progress of the BIC application via Council's Application Search.