Bacchus Partners issues Construction Certificates for residential, commercial and industrial projects across NSW, including Nowra, the Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and surrounding regions.

A Construction Certificate, or CC, is the building approval you need once your project already has development consent. It confirms that your detailed construction plans and specifications are consistent with the consent and meet the relevant building requirements before any work starts on site.

The team at Bacchus Partners assesses your construction plans against your development consent and the National Construction Code, identifies what is required, and issues your Construction Certificate so your project can move to the build.

The building approval that follows your DA

Development approval and building approval are two separate steps. A Development Application gives planning approval for your project. A Construction Certificate is the building approval that comes next, confirming that the construction documentation matches the consent and complies with the Building Code of Australia.

You need both in place before building work begins. Getting the CC stage right keeps the project moving and avoids the kind of late surprises that hold up a start on site.

What is a Construction Certificate?

A Construction Certificate confirms that your construction plans and specifications are consistent with your development consent and comply with the National Construction Code and other relevant requirements.

NSW Planning sets out the Construction Certificate process, and since 1 July 2021 all CC applications are lodged through the NSW Planning Portal to your council or a registered certifier.

The plans submitted for a Construction Certificate usually carry far more detail than the DA plans, because your builder works directly from them. That detail is exactly what the certifier checks against the consent and the relevant building standards.

When do you need a Construction Certificate?

You need a Construction Certificate when your project has development consent from council and you are ready to build. The CC must be in place before any building work covered by the consent starts.

A Construction Certificate is the right pathway when you want to:

  • move from an approved DA to a start on site
  • confirm your construction plans comply with the National Construction Code
  • satisfy a condition of your development consent
  • give your builder a clear, certified set of documents to work from

If your project has not been through a Development Application and meets the complying development standards, a Complying Development Certificate may be the faster pathway instead.

CDC or Construction Certificate?

These two certificates do different jobs, and the right one depends on how your project is being approved.

  • A Complying Development Certificate combines planning and construction approval in one step, for eligible work that meets the complying development standards without a DA.
  • A Construction Certificate is the construction approval that follows an already-approved Development Application.
  • Both require complete documentation, and both must be in place before relevant building work starts.

If you are unsure which pathway applies to your project, Bacchus Partners can help you confirm it early.

How Bacchus Partners can help

Bacchus Partners works with homeowners, owner-builders, builders and developers to move projects from development consent through to a start on site.

The team can assist with:

Early engagement helps here. Bringing your certifier in before the construction documentation is finalised means issues are picked up on paper rather than on site, which protects your program and your budget.

What is needed for a Construction Certificate assessment?

The exact documentation depends on the project, but a CC assessment generally needs:

  • the development consent and its conditions
  • detailed architectural plans, elevations and sections
  • construction specifications and details
  • structural engineering details, where required
  • stormwater and drainage details
  • BASIX documentation, where required
  • fire safety details, where relevant
  • builder, owner and site details
  • any further documents required for the specific project type

Complete, consistent documentation is what allows the assessment to run smoothly. Plans that conflict with the consent, or that leave gaps, are the most common cause of delay.

What can delay a Construction Certificate?

A Construction Certificate is usually straightforward when the project is well documented. Delays tend to come from:

  • construction plans that differ from the approved DA
  • unmet or unresolved conditions of consent
  • missing engineering, stormwater or fire safety details
  • inconsistencies between drawings and specifications
  • changes introduced part way through the assessment
  • outstanding fees or approvals from other authorities

Where construction plans depart from the consent, a modification to the development consent may be needed before the CC can issue. Talking to your certifier early is the simplest way to avoid that.

Local certification support across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Southern Highlands

Bacchus Partners is based in Nowra and Bomaderry and works with clients across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and surrounding regions.

The team regularly issues Construction Certificates for projects in areas such as Nowra, Bomaderry, Worrigee, Berry, Ulladulla, Kiama, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Goulburn.

Why choose Bacchus Partners?

Bacchus Partners has provided building certification since 1999. The business is family-owned and based in Nowra, with experience across residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Led by Paul Bacchus, an A2 accredited certifier with more than 25 years of experience, the team gives clear, practical advice and keeps the certification process moving for homeowners, owner-builders, builders, developers and property professionals.

Related building certification services

Bacchus Partners can also assist with:

Frequently asked questions

What is a Construction Certificate?

A Construction Certificate confirms that your construction plans and specifications are consistent with your development consent and comply with the National Construction Code. It is the building approval that follows an approved Development Application.

Do I need a Construction Certificate and a DA?

Yes. The Development Application gives planning approval, and the Construction Certificate is the construction approval that follows it. Both need to be in place before building work starts.

Can Bacchus Partners issue my Construction Certificate?

Yes. Bacchus Partners assesses construction documentation against your consent and the relevant building requirements, and issues the Construction Certificate where the project complies.

What is the difference between a CC and a CDC?

A Construction Certificate follows an approved DA and provides construction approval only. A Complying Development Certificate combines planning and construction approval in one step for eligible work that does not need a DA.

Can I start building once I have my Construction Certificate?

You also need to appoint a Principal Certifier before work starts, and meet any conditions attached to your approval. Bacchus Partners can act as your Principal Certifier and guide you through these steps.

Need help with a Construction Certificate?

If you have development consent and you are ready to build, Bacchus Partners can assess your construction documentation and issue your Construction Certificate so the project keeps moving.

Send through your project details and the team will help clarify the next step. Contact Bacchus Partners or call 02 4421 3752.