There is often confusion around the approval process required for home owner builders and renovators. Do I need to go through council? Can I use a private certifier? What kind of approval do I need? When do I need to become an owner builder? These questions are often asked by home owners and renovators. We hope this article will simplify some of the requirements for owner builders.
In NSW approvals may fall under 3 categories: exempt development, complying development and ones that required development application.
Exempt developments are low impact development, such as fences, pergolas, barbeques and sheds do not require any approvals.
Complying developments are straightforward development proposals such as home renovations and additions or a new home, providing the proposal meets specific criteria then it can be determined by a Council or private certifier without needing a full development application. Complying developments will often require the owner builder to maintain certain setbacks from adjoining properties, have a minimum street frontage as well as land area. So its important to have detailed information about your land dimensions before applying for a complying development.
Certifiers will assess applications for complying development application, and can be appointed as the principal certifying authority for the project if they hold the appropriate accreditation. If the private certifier is appointed as the principal certifying authority they will issues the occupation certificate at the completion of the development.The principal certifying authority, or another accredited certifier, carries out critical stage inspections during construction to ensure the building work is in accordance with the development consent and legislative requirements.
At the end of construction, the property owner must apply to the principal certifying authority for an occupation certificate. The principal certifying authority will conduct a final inspection and issue this certificate if satisfied that the building is suitable for occupation or use. A building must not be occupied or used without an occupation certificate.
If the nature of your construction works falls outside the pre-determined standards of exempt or complying development then you will be required to lodge a development application with your local Council.
If you are still not sure what type of development you have visit the NSW Electronic Housing Code. The website will guide you through a wizard that allows you to electronically lodge a complying development application under the NSW Housing Code. You are also able to determine if you are able to proceed with your development without further approvals, as an exempt development.
Remember if the construction work cost is more than $10,000 and the work requires a development consent and owner builder permit is required and construction white card is required.