How Long Does It Take to Get a BIC Approved in NSW?

If you're preparing a commercial fit-out or change of use in NSW, you’ve probably come across the term BIC, a Building Information Certificate.

You might also be wondering how long it takes to get one approved.

The short answer?

It depends.

But as planning consultants with years of experience in NSW planning systems, we’ll walk you through the timelines, the steps and how to avoid unnecessary delays.

1. What Is a BIC and When Do You Need One?

A Building Information Certificate is issued by your local council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

It confirms that the council will not take regulatory action against the building’s unauthorised works for the next seven years.

You may need a BIC when purchasing a commercial property with undocumented building work, or if you're lodging a DA approval for work that’s already been completed without consent.

In many NSW planning scenarios, especially in older retail or industrial buildings, a BIC is required before any development application can proceed.

2. Standard BIC Approval Timeframes

Once a valid BIC application is submitted, councils typically have 21 days to process it.

This timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the site, council workload and whether all required documentation has been included.

In our experience at Town Planning Sydney, straightforward cases, such as minor internal works or clearly documented as-built conditions, are usually approved within three weeks.

However, if the BIC involves disputed building works, safety concerns or incomplete documentation, it may take significantly longer.

Delays also occur when the application triggers council inspections or requests for further information.

3. How to Avoid Delays and Speed Up the Process

To ensure a smooth process, work with a planning consultant who understands the DA approval and BIC pathways from end to end.

At Town Planning Sydney, we routinely help business owners prepare compliant BIC applications as part of broader council approval strategies.

Here are some key ways to avoid holdups:

• Include a current survey and existing building plans

• Address all known non-compliances in the supporting documents

• Attach detailed planning advice on the property's use and history

• Engage qualified professionals to certify structural and fire compliance

  
  

A common example is a cafe operator who took over a leased space in a converted terrace without any records of past approvals.

They needed both a BIC and a DA to regularise the change of use and complete their fit-out.

Because they came to us early, we were able to document the as-built works, liaise with council and lodge the BIC and DA application in parallel, saving them months in approval time.

4. Can You Lodge a DA Without a BIC?

In many cases, councils will not assess a DA until a valid BIC is issued.

That’s because the development application depends on the legal status of the existing building.

If unauthorised works are involved, council approval often hinges on the outcome of the BIC.

Planning consultants familiar with the NSW planning system can help you determine the best lodgement sequence and whether your project qualifies for combined submission.

In some councils, we’ve successfully obtained preliminary feedback before lodging either certificate, which helps shape your application for success.

5. When to Get Professional Help

If you’re unsure about the approval history of your building or need urgent council approval to begin works, don’t guess your way through the process.

Engaging expert town planning support at the beginning helps you avoid costly mistakes, especially if you’re under a commercial lease timeline.

Whether you’re a developer, investor or small business owner, securing the right planning advice from the outset means faster approvals and fewer surprises.

Town Planning Sydney works across a wide range of commercial and retail projects, combining drafting services with development application support to streamline the BIC process.

We know what local councils in NSW are looking for and how to meet their expectations with the least disruption to your project.