How Long Does a Building Information Certificate Take in NSW?

It’s one of the first questions people ask, and it’s a fair one. When you’ve got an unapproved structure to sort out, especially if a sale is involved, you want to know how long the process is likely to take.

The honest answer is that it varies, and it depends on a number things. The biggest factor is the structure itself and how much supporting information the council needs to assess it.

A Building Information Certificate application generally requires documentation about the existing structure and how it complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Depending on what’s involved, that can include things like plans, and reports from relevant consultants confirming the structure is sound and meets the appropriate standards. Gathering this documentation is often where most of the time goes, well before the application even reaches the council.

Once the application is lodged, the council needs time to assess it. They may also request further information along the way, which can extend the timeline.

As a rough guide, it’s sensible to allow a six or more weeks from start to finish, and often longer for more complex structures. As a retrospective approval, it is difficult to know exactly how long it might take to get approval. We use the onion analogy, Similar to peeling an onion, you must first navigate from the broadest, outermost policy layers down to the specific, site-level controls in order to meet compliance. The single best thing you can do to keep things moving is to start early and get the right documentation in order from the outset.

Because every situation is different, the most reliable way to get a realistic timeframe is to have your specific project assessed. We can look at what’s involved, let you know what documentation is likely to be needed, and give you a clearer sense of the timeline so there are no surprises.