Will Council Inspect My Property During a BIC Assessment?

If you’ve built a structure without prior approval, a Building Information Certificate (BIC) might be the solution.

But one common question we get is: will council inspect my property as part of the BIC assessment?

The short answer is: yes, in most cases, they will.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Why Would Council Inspect My Property During a BIC?

A BIC allows you to legitimise existing buildings or works without needing to go through a full DA approval process.

But before issuing the certificate, the council needs to confirm that what has been built is safe, compliant with NSW planning controls and poses no risk to the public or occupants.

This often requires a physical inspection by council officers.

Inspections help them verify that the structure matches your submitted plans and complies with the relevant standards.

2. What Does the Council Look for During the Inspection?

Council staff are not there to punish you, they’re assessing compliance.

They’ll typically check:

• Whether the building is structurally sound

• If it encroaches on boundaries or easements

• Whether there are fire safety concerns

• If it meets zoning and NSW planning requirements

• Whether the use of the structure is appropriate for the site

If you’ve submitted a recent survey and quality architectural drawings, the process is smoother.

This is where working with an experienced planning consultant like Town Planning Sydney can make a real difference.

3. How Can I Prepare for a Council Inspection?

Before the visit, make sure your plans and documentation are up to date.

If you’re unsure what documents you need, we provide tailored planning advice that aligns with your specific BIC situation.

For example, a client in Western Sydney approached us after converting their garage into a teenage retreat without prior DA approval.

We prepared the required survey, designed compliant plans and submitted the BIC on their behalf.

When the council inspected the site, everything aligned with the documentation, and the certificate was issued without delay.

Proper preparation avoids nasty surprises.

4. Will Council Inspect Inside My Home?

It depends on the structure in question.

If the BIC relates to an internal renovation like an attic conversion, council may request access.

If it’s an external structure like a shed, deck or secondary dwelling, they may only inspect the outside.

We recommend being present during the inspection or arranging access through your planning consultant.

At Town Planning Sydney, we regularly coordinate inspections for our clients to ensure everything goes smoothly.

5. What Happens After the Inspection?

If the structure meets council’s expectations, the BIC will likely be granted.

But if issues are identified, such as building over an easement or not meeting setback rules, council may request amendments.

Sometimes this means additional reports, such as engineering or fire safety assessments.

In rare cases, demolition or modifications might be required.

This is why getting expert planning advice early can save you time, stress and money.

6. Can I Avoid a Council Inspection?

Not really.

While some councils may issue a BIC without a physical visit, especially if the structure is minor and the documents are thorough, most NSW councils prefer to inspect the property.

We’ve found that well-prepared applications, clear architectural plans and up-to-date surveys reduce the need for repeat visits or lengthy delays.

As one of the leading town planning firms in NSW, we handle these steps in-house to streamline the process from start to finish.

Council inspections are a standard part of the BIC process in NSW.

When done right, they’re nothing to fear.

With the right support and documentation, getting council approval can be a straightforward experience.

Whether you're dealing with a granny flat, converted garage or unapproved pergola, we guide you every step of the way, from drafting to submission to approval.