Steps to obtain a Construction Certificate from Warringah Council

I need to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority ("PCA") from Warringah Council who will –
(i)         conduct inspections at each required or specified stage of construction,
(ii)        check for compliance during works; and
(iii)       issue an Occupation Certificate once works have been completed. 

I will make an appointment with a Quality Development Applications Officer on 02 9942 2749 who will assist me with any queries re lodging my Application For Construction Certificate.

Then I will meet my draftsman, Richard Monckton, Red Rock Design, who will assist me lodge my Application For Construction Certificate.

Richard Monckton will contact Warringah Council to book an appointment (which I will also attend) to lodge the application (ph: 9942 2749) so I ensure all requisite info is included in my Application For Construction Certificate for a Construction Certificate.

After Warringah Council issues my Construction Certificate I will receive a letter stating that the Construction Certificate is ready to be picked up from the Council’s Customer Service Centre when I pay applicable fees when I submit to Warringah Council a “Notice of Commencement of Building or Subdivision Work and Appointment of Principal Certifying Authority” at least 48 hours prior to commencing work which notifies

6.11 How do I book an inspection?

I want to nominate Warringah Council as my Principal Certifying Authority ("PCA").  I need to book an inspection contact Council’s Customer Service Centre. An inspection request form will be completed and passed on to the relevant Council Inspection Officer. The Inspection Officer will contact me to arrange a mutually convenient inspection time usually within 4 days from booking. 

6.12 When can I begin work?

My Development Consent outlines conditions that I need to complete prior to the commencement of works.  If stated on your Development Consent, at least 2 days prior to work commencing on the site Council must be informed. The submission of a Notice of Commencement in Accordance with Section 81A of EP & A Act 1979 must be made giving the name and details of the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) and the date construction work is proposed to commence.

a)   If you choose to nominate Warringah Council as your PCA, the inspection fees must be paid at the time of lodging the Notice of Commencement or PCA form. Your conditions of Consent will outline which inspections apply if Council is nominated as the PCA. The numbers of inspections listed will be determined by the level of information in your Development Application and are subject to change depending on the scope of work.

6.13 What if I build something different to my Consent?

You must build or use a building in accordance with the approved plans and conditions of Development Consent.  Council has adopted a ‘minimal tolerance’ approach to compliance with development controls. If you cannot comply with your Development Consent for whatever reason you must contact Council before proceeding with the work.

Retrospective approval cannot be given for any building work started and or completed without Development Consent or a Construction Certificate.  Construction Certificates issued in contravention of Development Consents may be declared invalid.  It is important to note that unauthorised work may lead to you being prosecuted and / or ordered to demolish the unauthorised work.  On-the-spot fines may also apply.

6.14 How do I modify Consent plans?

If you wish to make changes to your development you will need to make a formal application before carrying out the proposed work. (See What if I want to change my consent?)

6.15 What happens after construction is complete?

You must contact your Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) to arrange a final inspection. Your PCA will not be able to issue a satisfactory final inspection until:

ó Any critical stage inspections have been completed as per the Development Consent.

ó All component Certificates required by the Development Consent have been lodged with your PCA and;

ó The completed works comply with the Development Consent.

When I receive a satisfactory final inspection report, and if required by my Development Consent, I must apply to my Principal Certifying Authority ("PCA") for an Occupation Certificate.

I need to talk to Warringah Council about both, because the above Lodging a Development Application in Warringah says I am able to discuss with Council.