Building Information Certificates (BIC)
A building information certificate is issued by council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and confirms it will not take building-related enforcement action against existing work, provided that work is structurally satisfactory. It does not itself approve building work that was never approved, and it does not approve a use - that is usually a separate application. Most owners need it alongside, not instead of, a retrospective planning approval, and getting the sequence right is what determines the outcome.
Free consultation
- 3–6 weeks from lodgement, depending on council and inspection scheduling
- From $2,200 + GST plus council's certificate fee
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
What a building information certificate actually does
It is a certificate under Part 6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Once issued, council cannot require the building work it covers to be altered or removed on grounds that existed and were known - or reasonably discoverable - at the time of issue, unless the building later becomes structurally unsound. That protection is valuable, but it is narrower than a development consent, and it is easy to assume it covers more than it does.
When people need one
Most commonly: a purchaser's solicitor has flagged unapproved work during conveyancing, an owner is preparing to sell and wants to resolve it proactively, a renovation revealed earlier unapproved work that was never picked up, or council has raised the matter informally and an owner wants to respond before it becomes a notice.
What council needs to see
Measured drawings showing what actually exists, structural certification from a suitably qualified engineer or building surveyor where the work affects structure, and - where fire safety or accessibility is engaged - certification against the applicable standard. The scope of certification required depends entirely on what was built and how it is used.
How it works
Confidential assessment
Same or next business day
Tell us what exists and why it was never approved. We work out whether a BIC applies on its own or alongside a retrospective DA.
Documentation
1–2 weeks
Measured drawings of the work as built, and structural or building certification from an appropriately qualified professional.
Inspection
1–3 weeks to schedule, council-dependent
Council (or its delegate) inspects the building work before the certificate can be issued.
Determination
Within statutory timeframes once inspected
Council issues the certificate, refuses it, or issues it subject to conditions requiring remedial work.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Confirming whether a BIC, a retrospective development application, or both apply to your situation
- Arranging the structural and building certification council requires
- Preparing measured drawings of the work as built
- Managing the mandatory council inspection
- Lodging the application and handling every request for further information
What you don't have to deal with
- Applying for the wrong instrument and paying twice
- Assuming a BIC alone makes an unapproved structure or use lawful
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does a building information certificate cover?
It covers the physical building work - that council will not require it to be demolished or altered on the basis of matters that could have been raised under the Act at the time the certificate is issued. It does not certify that a use of the building is lawful, and it does not exempt the work from other legislation. Where a use is also unapproved, a separate planning approval is usually needed as well.
Will council inspect the property?
Yes, an inspection is a standard part of the process, and it is where structural or building code issues most often surface. We arrange the trade or engineering certification in advance so the inspection does not raise a defect nobody knew about.
Can council refuse to issue one?
Yes, particularly where the building work does not meet an applicable structural or fire safety standard, or where council requires remedial building work first. A refusal is not usually the end of the road - it typically means specific remedial work is required before re-applying, which we scope out during the assessment.
Do I need this if I am selling the property?
Very commonly, yes. Unapproved building work is one of the most frequent issues raised in conveyancing, and a current certificate answers a buyer's solicitor's question before it is asked. Sorting it out ahead of listing avoids a price renegotiation mid-contract.
Related services
Unauthorised Structures
Building work or a use that went ahead without approval can usually be brought into the system - through a building information certificate, a retrospective development application, or both.
Residential Council Approval
Most residential developments do not need a full Development Application.
Development Application (DA)
A Development Application is the merit-assessed approval pathway.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.