NSW / APPLICATION GUIDE
Your NSW application.
A clear way forward.
From the owners’ signatures to the Planning Portal and principal certifier appointment. Here is what to prepare, where to lodge it and what follows.
New to complying development? Understand CDC and its potential benefits
THE PROCESS AT A GLANCE
Prepare. Lodge.
Build with clarity.
For Construction Certificate (CC) and Complying Development Certificate (CDC) applications. Select a document beside any step to open it.
START WITH THE PROJECT
Discuss the project and approval pathway.
Send the property address, proposed work and available plans. We discuss the scope, quote and whether you are seeking a Construction Certificate following development consent, or assessment for a Complying Development Certificate.
A CDC is only available where the proposal and land satisfy the applicable requirements. If you are unsure, speak with us before choosing an application type.
YOUR ENGAGEMENT
Complete the contract. Have all owners sign.
Read the Contract for Certification, including the accompanying information about registered certifiers. Complete the project, applicant and owner details, then have all owners complete the owner consent and signature sections. Leave the certifier’s signature section for iPermit.
If the property is owned by a company, trust or another entity, or someone is signing under an authority, ask us what evidence and signatures are needed.
YOUR APPLICATION PACK
Bring the supporting documents together.
Use the domestic or commercial checklist that matches the work. Gather the latest plans, title information, engineering and specifications, together with relevant approvals and reports.
For a CC, include the development consent, conditions and endorsed plans. Other documents may include BASIX, bushfire information, builder or owner-builder details and insurance, where applicable. Our team confirms what your project needs.
LODGE FOR ASSESSMENT
Lodge the CC or CDC application in the Portal.
Use the NSW Planning Portal to submit the appropriate application with the signed contract and relevant paperwork. Confirm the iPermit certifier selection with our team, check that each attachment is uploaded, and keep the Portal reference.
A saved draft or an email enquiry is not a lodged Portal application. We may request further information during assessment.
A SEPARATE APPLICATION
Do not forget the principal certifier appointment.
Submit the separate “Principal Certifier appointment” application in the NSW Planning Portal. Arrange this with us alongside your certification application; uploading the signed contract to a CC or CDC application does not replace this Portal step.
Use the relevant linked application, or the standalone process where appropriate. Confirm the nominated certifier details with us and check that the appointment has been accepted before moving to commencement arrangements.
PDF / OPEN DOCUMENTPlanning Portal guide: appoint a principal certifier (opens in a new tab)The Portal guide is a reference copy. Screen labels may change; use the current Portal help if needed.
BEFORE CONSTRUCTION
Confirm everything required before work starts.
Wait for the relevant certificate to be issued. Confirm the principal certifier appointment, required commencement notices, inspection stages and any conditions or other pre-start requirements with our team before beginning work.
Submitting the application, paying a fee or completing this checklist is not permission to start building.
THROUGH TO COMPLETION
Book inspections and complete the certification process.
Arrange the required critical stage inspections before work is covered up. At completion, provide the required certificates and supporting evidence, and apply for the Occupation Certificate through the Planning Portal where required.
The principal certifier assesses whether the requirements for issue have been met.
A more organised application starts here.
Use the preparation checklist to keep the key forms and next steps together.
This guide covers the usual preparation sequence for a new CC or CDC application. Site conditions, building class, staged work and existing approvals can change the requirements. Discuss amendments, existing work or a change of certifier directly with our team.