Building approval information pack
The building approval information pack should be used where your development needs building approval during construction.
The materials in this pack should be referred to once you have development approval and are ready to begin building.
Information
- Building approval - about the process
- Builders and certifiers publication (PDF 444.7KB) is useful if you are building a project home
- Occupancy certificates - about what is required before you move in or use the building
- Employing a certifier
- Employing a builder
Application for building approval
The application for building approval allows building approval to be issued and a building certifier appointed.
Employed builders or owner-builders then complete applications for commencement and the building certifier completes the building commencement notice that means work can begin.
Revised building approval forms
From 1 August 2011 revised forms came into effect for the various processes involved in the building approval process under the Building Act 2004. These forms must be used from this date.
The forms are available on the ACT Legislation Register under Building Act 2004 www.legislation.act.gov.au from 1 August 2011.
The table below shows how the new forms relate to the old forms:
| Old BA form | New BA form (from 1 August 2011) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| C1 – Building Commencement Notice Application Form | Appointment of Builder and Application For Commencement Notice | Form now includes provision for all owners to sign acknowledging the appointment of a builder. The builder then uses this form to apply to the certifier for a commencement notice. |
| C2 – Building Commencement Notice | Building Commencement Notice | Form now includes the standard format for describing the building work |
| C3 – Owner Appointment of Certifier and Application by Owner for Building Approval and Building Approval Certificate | Appointment of A Certifier Application For Building Approval | Form now includes provision for all owners to sign and provides a checklist of information that should accompany the application |
| C5 – Certificate of Completion of Building Work (from certifier) Application for Certificate of Occupancy and Use (COU) (by owner) |
Certificate of Completion of Building Work Application For Certificate of Occupancy and Use |
Now two separate forms |
| No old form | Certificate of Completion of Unsubstantiated Building Work Application for Certificate of Occupancy and Use under section 69(2B) | This is a new form that can be used to apply for a certificate of occupancy and use where building work has not been completed in accordance with relevant prescribed requirements |
Application for certificate of occupancy and use
Once construction is complete, and all notifications and inspections have been carried out, you need to complete an application for certificate of occupancy and use.
Further information
Phone: (02) 6207 1923
Help
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