Building Information Certificate
Looking to buy or sell a property? Make sure you know about Building Information Certificates (BIC).
These certificates can give you peace of mind by ensuring that the building and land can stay the same without Council taking regulatory action.
BICs will need to be lodged concurrently with a development application, so that those unauthorised works and a lawful use of those works, can be formally recognised by Council.
However, it's important to note that a BIC doesn't guarantee compliance with legal and safety requirements for swimming pool barriers, fencing, fire safety, and public health matters. And, council can still issue notices or orders in relation to unauthorised works or fire safety issues.
So, make sure you have all the information you need before making any property-related decisions.
Whether you're the property owner, someone with the owner's consent, a solicitor, an agent, or even a public authority, you can lodge an application for a BIC.
So, don't hesitate to get started on the process to ensure your property meets all the necessary legal requirements.
If you have unlawful building works, don't worry. Here are the general requirements needed to comply with the Building Code of Australia:
- You need a report from an appropriately qualified person, such as a building surveyor or architect, that shows compliance with the Building Code of Australia.
- You need professionally drawn works-as-executed building plans and specifications.
- You need a certificate from a qualified structural engineer stating that the works are structurally sound.
- You need a certificate from a licensed pest controller stating that the works have been treated against termites.
- You need a certificate from a licensed glazier stating that all glass in the building complies with AS1288 and the Building Code of Australia.
- You need a licensed electrician's certificate certifying that the smoke alarm/s installed in the building comply with AS3786 and that the electrical works comply with AS 3000 - 2018 “Wiring Rules”.
- You need a certificate from a licensed installer stating that wet area waterproofing complies with AS3740.
- You need a building workmanship report from the licence holder of a Qualified Supervisor Certificate under Fair Trading NSW.
- You need a land survey from a registered surveyor to identify all structures located on the property.
- You may need a Section 307 Certificate under the Water Management Act.
- You may need to demonstrate compliance with Council Policy.
- You may need any other certification that Council deems necessary for its consideration.
- You need a certificate from a licensed plumber stating that sanitary plumbing and drainage works comply with the Plumbing and Drainage Act and Section 68 of the Local Government Act and Council requirements. If new sanitary plumbing and drainage works have been installed without prior approval, Council may require acknowledgement approval under the Local Government Act.
- You need an Environmental Consultant's certification of the installed waste water system stating that the existing approved waste water system is suitable for any additional load and is working in accordance with its original approval. If a new system has been installed without prior approval, Council may require acknowledgement approval under the Local Government Act.
Remember, compliance with regulations is crucial to avoid any legal action or complications when buying or selling a property.
Here's a rundown of all the things you'll need to get sorted before you can get your Building Information Certificate:
- You'll need a report from an appropriately qualified person - someone like a building surveyor or architect - showing how your building or structure complies with the Performance Requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
- You'll also need works-as-executed building plans and specifications, professionally drawn at a scale of 1:100, that clearly show both the approved and unlawful building works.
- A certificate from a qualified practising structural engineer is a must. They'll need to be a corporate member of the Institution of Engineers Australia, or at least be eligible to become a member and have the right experience and skills for the job.
- If there are any termites lurking around, you'll need a certificate from a licensed pest controller to show that the works have been treated in accordance with AS3660.1.
- You'll also need a certificate from a licensed glazier indicating that all the glass in your building meets AS1288 and the Building Code of Australia standards.
- Don't forget the smoke alarms! You'll need a licensed electrician's certificate to confirm that they're installed correctly and meet AS3786 standards, and that your electrical works comply with AS 3000 - 2018 "Wiring Rules."
- You'll need a certificate from a licensed installer to show that your wet area waterproofing complies with AS3740.
- The licence holder of a Qualified Supervisor Certificate under Fair Trading NSW will need to provide a building workmanship report.
- A land survey from a registered surveyor is also required, identifying all structures on your property.
- You might also need a Section 307 Certificate under the Water Management Act.
- And if Council Policy requires it, you'll need to demonstrate compliance.
- If you have any installed fire safety measures, a competent fire safety practitioner will need to certify that they meet the standard of performance and the Building Code of Australia.
- If you have any trade waste, you'll need a trade waste agreement issued by Lismore City Council.
- And if you have any food preparation areas, you'll need approval from Council's Regulatory Services team for the fit-out.
- Finally, any other certification that Council deems necessary will need to be provided.
- For plumbing and drainage works, you'll need a certificate from a licensed plumber showing compliance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act, Section 68 of the Local Government Act, and Council requirements.
- And last but not least, you'll need an Environmental Consultant's certification of your installed waste water system, stating that it's suitably sized for any additional load and is working in accordance with its original approval.
Note: If any of these certifications require non-minor upgrading, you'll need a separate approval under Section 68 of the Local Government Act before you can get your Building Information Certificate.