Need Help Applying for a Building Information Certificate?

If you’ve made changes to your home or commercial building without prior approval, or purchased a property with undocumented work, a Building Information Certificate (BIC) might be the solution.

As a town planning company based in NSW, we regularly assist homeowners, developers and business owners who need to secure council approval for existing, unauthorised structures.

This certificate helps protect your investment and prevent council enforcement actions down the track.

What is a Building Information Certificate?

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

It essentially states that the council will not issue an order to demolish or alter the building for five years.

This certificate is commonly required during property sales when buyers or conveyancers identify unapproved structures, or when you need to regularise works not previously covered by a development application.

When Do You Need One?

We often assist clients who’ve built a deck, shed, garage conversion or secondary dwelling without the necessary DA approval.

Sometimes these works were completed by previous owners and only picked up during due diligence or insurance checks.

In cases like these, a Building Information Certificate provides peace of mind and ensures the building meets current building regulations which NSW councils enforce.

As a planning consultant, we start by reviewing whether the structure complies with local NSW planning controls and zoning.

We also check if the works fall under exempt development or if retrospective approval is needed through a development application.

What Documents Are Required?

Your council will usually request a current survey, building plans, photos and a statement of environmental effects for the NSW DA if retrospective approval is involved.

Depending on the site, additional reports like a heritage impact statement (NSW town planning), bushfire assessment or expert help with Clause 4.6 variation request NSW may also be required.

We’ve helped homeowners in conservation areas and flood-prone zones navigate these layered requirements by coordinating the planning advice, consultant reports and plans in-house.

How a Town Planner Can Help

Getting council approval can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure what went wrong in the first place.

Our role as a NSW town planning consultant is to simplify that process.

We assess your property against the NSW planning controls, identify non-compliances and liaise with council staff to clarify their expectations.

If you're lodging a new development application alongside the certificate, we also prepare supporting documents like the council submission for secondary dwelling in NSW, statement of environmental effects or planning advice for dual occupancy in NSW.

We also frequently assist with Building Information Certificates for commercial premises, especially where a town planner for commercial change of use in NSW is needed due to a past tenancy or layout change.

Local Knowledge Matters

If you’re searching for a “town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP,” we understand your local council’s policies and how to present a strong case.

We’ve worked with many clients across Sydney and regional NSW to secure fast, successful outcomes, even on tricky sites.