What Type of Drawings Are Needed for a BIC?

If you're preparing to apply for a Building Information Certificate (BIC) in NSW, one of the most common questions is what kind of drawings are actually required.

This is where working with an experienced town planning consultant can save you time, money and headaches.

To get council approval for a BIC, your submission must include clear, accurate and up-to-date documentation.

Without the right drawings, your application can be delayed or rejected by council.

Here’s what you need to know about the drawings typically required for a BIC in

NSW.

1. Site Plan

A site plan is one of the most critical documents in any development application or BIC submission.

It shows the boundaries of the property, the location of existing structures and distances to boundaries and easements.

This helps the local council confirm that the built work aligns with zoning requirements under the NSW planning framework.

At Town Planning Sydney, we regularly prepare detailed site plans that meet these council standards.

2. Floor Plans

A floor plan shows the internal layout of the building or structure in question.

For a BIC, the council must be able to understand how the building is used and whether the existing layout meets building and zoning rules.

Floor plans should include all rooms, windows, doors, dimensions and annotations where required.

We often work with clients who are unaware that their existing granny flat or garage conversion needs to be properly documented through precise floor plans.

3. Elevations

Elevations provide a scaled view of the external faces of a building.

These drawings are essential for council approval because they show how the structure looks from each direction and how it interacts with the surrounding environment.

This is especially important if the works were done without prior DA approval.

Our team at Town Planning Sydney prepares elevation drawings that reflect both existing and proposed works to satisfy BIC requirements.

4. Section Drawings

Sections cut through the building to show the internal height, levels and structural detail.

These are often requested when there are concerns about building height or ceiling levels.

For example, if you’ve converted a roof space into a loft, the section drawing will show the internal clearance and structural changes made.

This type of drawing helps councils understand whether the building complies with NSW planning and building codes.

5. Survey Plan (if applicable)

Some councils require a survey plan showing the accurate siting of structures on the land.

This is particularly common if there are concerns about boundary setbacks or encroachments.

A registered surveyor prepares this plan, and it becomes part of the supporting documents lodged with your BIC.

We often assist clients in arranging surveys as part of our end-to-end planning and drafting services.

6. Demolition or Alteration Details (if relevant)

If parts of the structure are to be altered or removed as part of the BIC process, you’ll need drawings that reflect those changes.

This includes demolition plans or markups on existing drawings showing the areas impacted.

Accurate alteration documentation speeds up the development application process and reduces back-and-forth with council.

7. Supporting Photos

While not technically a drawing, photos of the existing building are almost always required.

They help council planners quickly assess the condition and extent of works, especially when the BIC is retrospective.

Our planning consultants ensure photo documentation is aligned with the plans to provide a complete picture of the site.

Understanding what type of drawings are needed for a BIC is only part of the puzzle.

What’s equally important is how those drawings are prepared and presented.

A well-organised BIC application backed by professional planning advice dramatically increases your chances of council approval.

That’s where a team like Town Planning Sydney becomes your biggest asset in navigating NSW planning and development applications.