Principal Certifying Authority

If you are renovating or extending your home, building a new home or undertaking a commercial development, you need to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority who will certify that the construction works by your builder comply with Australian Building Legislation. 

Appointment of a Principal Certifying Authority 

Prior to any building work being carried out, a Construction Certificate or Complying Development Certificate must be approved and a Principal Certifying Authority must be appointed for the development.

To appoint Council or an Accredited Private Certifier as your PCA, this must be done via the NSW Planning Portal when submitting the above applications.

If you appoint an Accredited Private Certifier they are to notify Council 2 days before commencing any building work.

Can a Private Certifier inspect all work?

No. The following water, sewer and drainage inspections are required to be carried out by Council even if Council has not been appointed the Principal Certifying Authority for the building work:

  • underfloor drainage under hydrostatic test prior to covering;
  • internal stackwork under hydrostatic test prior to covering;
  • hot and cold water plumbing under pressure test prior to covering;
  • sanitary drainage under hydrostatic test prior to covering;
  • the installation of the septic tank and any sullage trenches prior to covering; and
  • final inspection of all plumbing and drainage works.

Typically, these would be part of a separate local government approval (section 68 approval) already approved by Council.

How do I book an inspection?

If you would like to arrange an inspection please call Council’s Development Services team.

When booking your inspection, please provide the following information:

  • type of inspection (refer to Consent or PCA Agreement for the inspections required)
  • address of where the inspection will take place
  • contact name and telephone number of the relevant person
  • application reference number: construction certificate number / development application number / complying development certificate

 

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