Building Information Certificate

Blueprint with architectural details of a house plan, showing rooms labelled as kitchen, living room, and bedroom. Overlaid with a pair of compasses.

A Building Information Certificate (BIC) is usually sought by buyers or sellers of a property who are seeking formal advice that existing buildings on the property will not need to be demolished or altered because of planning issues.

It is also commonly applied for when works have been undertaken without the appropriate approvals being issued by Council or private certifier.

The application can be from:

  • the property owner
  • another person, with the property owner’s consent
  • the property buyer under a contract of sale, including their solicitor or agent
  • a public authority when they have notified the owner.

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 (subject to certain conditions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act).

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.

Documents needed for the application

The following information is required:

 Building Certificate for Sale of Property Only.

Document Notes
Identification Survey Plan & Report Prepared by registered NSW Land Surveyor indicating all structures and setbacks represented of current site.
Supporting Documents As requested

Unauthorised Building Works – All Applications - Generally

Document Notes

Plans

*Plans to clearly show the extent of the authorised works.

Full drawings of the building (1:100 scale/1:200)

  • Site plan
  • Registered Survey Report
  • Floor plan depicting unauthorised work
  • Elevations and sections
  • A4 size notification plans
  • Works as executed stormwater/drainage plans
Installation certificates relating to essential fire safety measures Details of proposed and existing fire safety measures as required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), including certification.
NCC Report
by a registered Building Surveyor/Certifier

Report outlining compliance with current NCC

  • Class 2-9 buildings - required.
  • Class 1 – 10 – as required by the assessing officer.

Installation certificates relating to structural elements, stormwater, health and amenity

*Please note, other certification may be requested
  • Structural engineers report
  • Pest management AS3660
  • Wet Area waterproofing
  • Electrical certification of integral energy
  • Glazing certification for safety glass
  • Smoke detector certification
  • Other certification may be requested
Final Fire Safety Certificate Required for Class 2-9 buildings only.
Upon request for Class 10 buildings.
Sydney Water Tap-in Required for all structures to determine impact on Sydney Water Assets. Apply: Sydney Water Tap in

Fees

Building Information Certificate fees are available at Fees and Charges.

If there has been unauthorised building work, additional fees apply.

These fees will be determined by:

  • Is there a Development Approval for the unauthorised works? If no, you will be required to pay any fees that would have been required if lodging a new DA (as well as Notification fees)
  • You will also be required to pay the fees for the Construction Certificate package for the cost of the unauthorised works.

Lodgement

All Building Information Certificates (unauthorised works or purpose of sale) need to be lodged via NSW Planning Portal after filling out the Building Information Certificate Application(PDF, 116KB) form.

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