Development planning is the process of researching the development application requirements for a development proposal. If you are planning to construct something on your property – from fences, carports, sheds to a new residential, industrial or commercial building – you need to know whether you are required to obtain an approval and what development controls apply. Development planning should identify the relevant requirements from Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).

A Development Application (DA) is a formal application for development that requires assessment and development consent under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It is usually submitted to your local council and consists of standard application forms, supporting technical reports and plans. The NSW government and local Councils have comprehensive and complex requirements for the lodgement of Development Applications. Homme Certifiers can assist you to prepare and submit all of the necessary information required by council and to avoid costly time delays which can obstruct your development project. Prior to lodging a development application (DA) with Council, you need to review planning policies that apply to your land, in order to prepare your plans and supporting documentation. To see what local environmental planning constraints, applicable planning policies and permissible uses apply to your land or property, you can use the New South Wales Government Planning Portal. If consent is granted for your development, a schedule of conditions will be issued with the notice of determination. The development consent is structured to assist in the project management of the development and these conditions must be complied with. The conditions should be read in conjunction with the stamped approved plans.

Building certification is the process of engaging accredited certifiers to independently check and approve building works to ensure they comply with the safety, health, amenity and sustainability standards specified in legislation and building codes. The main role of certifiers is to determine applications for Construction Certificates and Complying Development Certificates. Accredited certifiers may also be appointed as the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) for the development. The Principal Certifying Authority issues the Occupation Certificate at the completion of the development. The Principal Certifying Authority carries out critical stage inspections during construction to ensure the building work is in accordance with the development consent and legislative requirements. At the completion 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 they are satisfied that the building is suitable for occupation or use. A building must not be occupied or used without an Occupation Certificate.

Homme Certifiers offers a service to provide preliminary advice in regards to your property, and can advise on any property or design constraints. We can provide advice on concept or preliminary plans, as well as property constraints that may affect your future proposed development or purchase of a property.

No. Some building works fall within the definitions of “Exempt” or “Complying Development”, as defined within a number of State Environmental Planning Policies. Exempt Development requires no approval from any authority. Complying Development is a fast-track approval which can be assessed by a private Accredited Certifier, who has the same authority as Council for Complying Development assessment. New Dwellings, Additions & Alterations, Granny Flats and Swimming Pools are common examples of developments that may only require a Complying Development Certificate.

In some instances a development, such as a subdivision or change of use, may not require any physical building works to be carried out, but it may require an approval. Such development may not need a Development Approval from Council, but could possibly be approved as Complying Development. Homme certifiers can help to determine the type of approval required, and can assist with the lodgement process.

No. Homme Certifiers cannot guarantee that Council will issue a Development Consent once an application is lodged. Prior to an application being lodged with Council, and based on our experience and knowledge of Council and their individual planning controls, we will discuss with you if we feel that the proposal is outside of Council’s requirements. We can discuss the different options with you.

Contact our office by phoning 02 9755 7006 or you can Request a Quote for a free competitive service proposal. For Construction Certification we will require a copy of the proposed Architectural Plans and a copy of the Development Consent. For a Complying Development Certification we will require a copy of the proposed Architectural Plans and a copy of the Council Section 10.7 (2&5) Planning Certificate of the property.

Yes. The Environmental Panning & Assessment Regulation (EP&A Reg) sets out the number of mandatory inspections for all types of buildings. The Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) must advise the owner what inspections are required to be carried out by the PCA. Where an inspection by a third party, such as an engineer, is required, the PCA will request written confirmation in the form of a report or certificate to verify that the inspection was carried out, and that work satisfies any applicable standards.

The main roles of the PCA are to: - Ensure compliance with the development consent and the construction certificate or the complying development certificate; - Ensure compliance with all development conditions; - Ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia; - Carry out all the required inspections associated with the building works; - Issue the occupation certificate when all works are completed.

Yes, you can replace your existing PCA by completing an application form Transfer of Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) Application, this form must be signed by your current PCA. Alternatively, should your current PCA be unavailable or unwilling to sign you may apply through the Building Professionals Board by completing an Application to replace a principal certifying authority (PCA).