In 1998, the NSW Government introduced private certification, which allows property owners to engage their own Registered Certifier to approve their development, without Council involvement.
Private Registered Certifiers can:
- Approve Complying Development Certificates
- Approve Construction Certificates
- Act as the Principal Certifier (see below)
- Inspect swimming pool barriers
- Issue swimming pool Certificates of Compliance
What is a Principal Certifier?
The Principal Certifier (PC) must be appointed before any building work begins and is required to:
- conduct critical stage inspections of the development
- ensure compliance with the development consent
- investigate any non-compliances with the development
- ensure compliance with all conditions of consent
- ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia
- ensure that all pre-conditions are met before the occupation certificate is issued
If you have concerns about how a development is proceeding, you should contact the PC in the first instance. The details of the PC can usually be found on a sign at the front of the development site.