Principal Certifying Authority
What is a Principal Certifying Authority and how to appoint one.
What is a Principal Certifying Authority?
- A Principal Certifying Authority can be either a private accredited certifier or the Bega Valley Shire Council. Private certifiers are professionals accredited by the Building Professionals Board. The Principal Certifying Authority ensures development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans, specifications and conditions listed in the development consent or Complying Development Certificate, and certifies that the construction is in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 No 203 - NSW Legislation.
Frequently asked questions
Click on a question to see the answer.
Private certifiers cannot give authority to, or certify:
Subdivisions, Plumbing and Drainage works
For subdivision certificates the Principal Certifying Authority can only be Bega Valley Shire Council.
You need to obtain approval from Council under Section 68 of the Local Government Act if you propose to carry out any of the following works:
- Plumbing and drainage works associated with a new or existing building
- Connection to any new or existing building to Council's reticulated sewerage system
- Installation of an on-site effluent disposal system (septic tank)
- Stormwater drainage works
Additional approvals
As well as a Construction Certificate you may need to gain additional approval for other work such as connecting to Council’s water and sewerage services or building a driveway. These additional approvals under Section 68 of the Local Government Act can only be authorised by Council. Work that will require additional approval is also listed in Council’s Application Guidelines.
These include:
- Plumbing and drainage works associated with a new or existing building
- Connection to any new or existing building to Council's reticulated sewerage system
- Installation of an on-site effluent disposal system (septic tank)
- Stormwater drainage works
Apply for additional approvals by ticking the additional approvals box on the Construction Certificate application form and then completing the additional forms. A list of all relevant forms is available here. Note also that only Council is authorised to carry out plumbing and drainage inspections.
Payment of fees, contributions and the Long Service Levy
Go to Council’s Fees and Charges for costs involved in obtaining a Construction Certificate and other associated approvals. Please note that for construction costing $25,000 or more a Long Service Levy is also applicable and must be paid before a Construction Certificate can be issued. Fees can be paid to the Long Service Levy Payments Corporation either directly or through the Bega Valley Shire Council. This fee is charged at 0.35 per cent of the construction cost. Owner-builders and non-profit organisations may seek an exemption of up to 50 per cent. For further information on the Long Service Levy, please contact the Long Service Corporation on 13 14 41.
Notice of Commencement
Make sure Council is notified of the intended commencement of work at least two days prior to the start of any work. This can be done by completing the Notice of Commencement Form and lodging the form with Council.
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- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332