NSW Building Certifications — Expert Private Certifiers for Every Project

Whether you’re building a new home, adding a granny flat, erecting a shed or undertaking a commercial development, every project in New South Wales requires the right certification before a single sod is turned. Permission to Build are licensed building surveyors holding unlimited accreditation, providing fast, thorough and fully compliant building certification services across NSW.

We guide builders, building designers and property owners through every stage of the certification process — from your initial approval right through to your final Occupation Certificate — so your project stays on track and on budget.

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Unlimited License for VIC and NSW border towns

What Is Building Certification in NSW?

Building certification is the formal process by which an accredited professional verifies that your proposed building work complies with the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards, and NSW planning legislation. In NSW, certification work is governed by the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 and overseen by the NSW Building Commission.

As a registered certifier, Permission to Build acts as an independent authority — assessing your plans, conducting critical stage inspections, and issuing the certificates that keep your project legal and your investment protected.

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

NSW Building Certification Services We Provide

A CDC is the fastest pathway to building approval in NSW, combining planning permission and construction approval into a single certificate. If your project meets the pre-determined standards set out in the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 — covering things like building height, setbacks, site coverage and floor area — you can bypass the Council Development Application (DA) process entirely.

Construction Certificate (CC)
If your project proceeds via a Development Application (DA) through Council, you'll need a Construction Certificate before any building work can begin. A CC confirms that your construction plans are consistent with your DA consent and comply with the National Construction Code, including structural safety, fire compliance and energy efficiency requirements. Once your CC is issued, we issue a Notice of Commencement and are appointed as your Principal Certifier — taking responsibility for all mandatory critical stage inspections throughout the build.
Occupation Certificate (OC)
An Occupation Certificate is the final sign-off on your build — official confirmation that the completed work is safe, compliant with the National Construction Code, and fit for occupation or use. In NSW, you generally cannot legally occupy or use a new building without a valid OC.
To issue an OC, we verify that:
-All critical stage inspections have been passed
-Required compliance certificates (fire safety, stormwater, etc.) have been obtained
-The completed building matches the approved plans and CDC or DA conditions
An OC also provides important protections when you come to sell — conveyancers and buyers routinely request it as evidence of compliant construction.
Principal Certifier Services
As your Principal Certifier, Permission to Build is responsible for:
- Issuing the Construction Certificate (where applicable)
- Conducting all mandatory Critical Stage Inspections (footings, frame, stormwater, final)
-Ensuring the building on-site matches the approved documentation
- Issuing the Occupation Certificate on completion
We must be notified before work commences and before each critical inspection stage. Our role is to keep your project compliant at every step, protecting you from costly delays, rectification work and legal exposure.
Building Information Certificate (BIC)
If your property has unauthorised building works, a Building Information Certificate provides a formal record that prevents the council from requiring demolition of the specified works, provided they are otherwise satisfactory. We can advise whether a BIC is the right path for your situation and assist with the application.

CDC approvals are typically determined in 10 business days.

Eligible CDC project types include:

New homes and dual occupancies
Townhouses and terraces
Extensions and alterations
Granny flats (secondary dwellings)
Swimming pools
Sheds and outbuildings
Some commercial & industrial buildings

We assess your plans for CDC permissibility, manage the lodgement on the NSW Planning Portal, and handle the entire process from start to finish.

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Unlimited License for VIC and NSW border towns

Do You Need Council or a Private Certifier?

In NSW, building certification can be carried out either by your local council or by a registered private certifier such as Permission to Build. There is no difference in the legal standard — the same building codes and regulations apply regardless of who issues the certificate.

However, private certifiers typically offer:

Faster turnaround times — especially for CDCs, which are often determined within 10 business days
Dedicated service — you deal directly with your certifier throughout the project
Flexible scheduling — inspections arranged around your construction programme
Expert guidance — practical advice on achieving compliance, not just assessing it

All applications are lodged through the NSW Planning Portal, which is the required platform for CDAs, CCs, CDCs, OCs and BICs in NSW.

What's Required

What Projects Require Certification in NSW?

Most building work in NSW requires some form of approval. Common projects requiring certification include:

Project Type	Likely Pathway	Note
Advanced analytics
New home (standard)	CDC or DA	+ CC
Custom branding
New home (non-standard site)	DA + CC
Granny Flat	CDC	If Compliant
Extensions & renovations	CDC or DA	+ CC
Swimming pool	CDC or DA
Shed / outbuilding	CDC or DA
Dual occupancy	CDC or DA
Commercial buildings	DA + CC	Class Dependent
Industrial buildings	DA + CC

Some minor works qualify as Exempt Development under NSW planning policy and require no approval at all. We can advise you on whether your project qualifies.