NSW / APPLICATION GUIDE
Your NSW application.
A clear way forward.
Follow the same ten steps as our video, from your CDC or CC application through construction to your Occupation Certificate.
Just need a form? Download contracts, applications & checklists
WATCH THE NSW PROCESS
Your NSW building approval journey
From application to occupation in three minutes. Follow the same ten steps in the written guide below.
General overview only. Requirements vary by project. Confirm the requirements for your development with your certifier.
YOUR APPLICATION AT A GLANCE
See the whole process.
Select any numbered step to jump to the instructions and relevant documents.
PHASE 01
Apply & assess
Prepare complete information for your chosen certifier.
PHASE 02
Approval & pre-start
Read the approval and complete every requirement before work starts.
PHASE 03
Build & complete
Book inspections, gather completion evidence and obtain the required OC.
Keep the PC appointment separate. Uploading your signed contract to a CC or CDC application does not replace the principal certifier appointment application.
THE SAME TEN STEPS AS THE VIDEO
From application
to occupation.
Read the detailed steps, open the relevant documents or jump to that part of the video. The owner, applicant, builder and certifier each have a part to play.
OWNER / AUTHORISED APPLICANT
Apply through the NSW Planning Portal.
The owner or authorised applicant prepares and submits the appropriate CDC or CC application to the chosen certifier. Enter accurate property, owner and project details, confirm the iPermit certifier selection with our team and retain the Portal reference.
Steps 1 and 2 form one application. Have the signed contract and required documents ready and upload them before lodging. A saved draft or an email enquiry is not a lodged application.
OWNER / AUTHORISED APPLICANT
Upload your contract and required documents.
Read the Contract for Certification and accompanying information. Complete the project, applicant and owner details, and have all owners complete the owner consent and signature sections. Leave the certifier’s signature section for iPermit. Ask us about evidence of authority where an entity or representative signs.
Use the domestic or commercial checklist. Project-dependent documents may include plans, specifications, engineering, BASIX, title and planning information, and relevant reports or insurance. For a CC, include the development consent, conditions and endorsed plans.
REGISTERED CERTIFIER
Your building surveyor assesses the application.
The registered building surveyor reviews the application and supporting documents against the applicable requirements. Further information, revised plans or amendments may be requested.
Provide complete information and respond promptly to assessment requests. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
REGISTERED CERTIFIER
Your CDC or CC is issued and lodged.
Once the relevant requirements are satisfied, the certifier issues the CDC or CC and lodges the certificate and accompanying approved documentation through the NSW Planning Portal.
Certificate issue is an approval milestone. The owner still needs to complete the appointment, notification and other applicable pre-start requirements.
OWNER / APPLICANT
Download, read and share your approval.
Download the certificate, endorsed plans and accompanying documents from the Portal. Read the approval conditions, retain copies and give the approved documents to your builder.
Receiving the certificate alone does not mean work can start. Work through the next two steps and confirm every applicable pre-construction requirement.
OWNER · SEPARATE PC APPOINTMENT
Owner appoints the Principal Certifier.
The owner chooses and appoints the Principal Certifier (PC) before building work begins. Complete the appointment documentation and the separate “Principal Certifier appointment” application in the NSW Planning Portal. Confirm the nominated details and check that the appointment is accepted.
The certifier who issued your CDC or CC may also be appointed as PC. Appointment arrangements can be progressed alongside the certification application, but uploading the certification contract does not replace the separate PC appointment process.
FORMS & NEXT STEPS
PDF / OPEN DOCUMENTPlanning Portal guide: appoint a principal certifier (opens in a new tab)The Portal guide is a reference copy. Screen labels may change; use the current official Portal help if needed.
Watch step 6 in the video 01:28PC + OWNER / APPLICANT
Complete notifications and pre-start requirements.
The PC’s appointment notification and the notice of intention to commence work are separate requirements. The PC gives the required appointment notification. The owner or applicant must ensure the commencement notice is submitted.
Before starting, satisfy all applicable conditions, notices and waiting periods, including CDC neighbour notifications where applicable. Confirm the inspection stages with your PC. Appointment notification alone is not permission to start.
OWNER + BUILDER
Build to the approval and book inspections.
The owner and builder must follow the approved documents and arrange the inspections specified by the PC. Book in advance, before relevant work is covered or construction proceeds beyond a required inspection stage.
Address any inspection findings and supply requested evidence. The PC is an independent certifier, not the builder’s site supervisor or a guarantor of workmanship.
OWNER / APPLICANT + BUILDER
Submit final documents and your OC application.
The PC identifies the supporting documents required for the project. The owner or applicant gathers completion certificates and reports from the relevant trades and consultants, uploads them and submits the Occupation Certificate (OC) application through the NSW Planning Portal.
Collect the documents throughout construction to help avoid delays at completion. Trade and engineering certificates come from the relevant practitioners; the PC does not personally produce every supporting certificate.
PRINCIPAL CERTIFIER
Final assessment and Occupation Certificate.
The PC completes the final inspection and reviews the OC application, supporting documents and applicable approval conditions. Resolve any outstanding requirements. Once satisfied that the applicable requirements are met, the PC issues the OC and lodges it through the Portal.
Download and retain the OC. Where an OC is required, obtain it before occupying or using the relevant building or part.
A more organised application starts here.
Use the preparation checklist to keep the key forms and next steps together.
This is a general overview for new CDC or CC applications through to occupation. Site conditions, building class, staged work and existing approvals can change the requirements. Confirm the requirements for your development with your certifier. Discuss amendments, existing work or a change of certifier directly with our team.
CURRENT CLIENT GUIDANCE
Check the requirements
before you apply.
Understand the NCC edition for your project, Victorian Form 26 and the separate NSW principal certifier appointment.
Read the 2026–27 building approval updatesWebsite guidance checked 15 October 2026.
Illustrative models and scenes; not iPermit project photographs or construction details.
EXTERNAL WALL WEATHERPROOFING
Prepare your
risk assessment.
Where an H2V1 weatherproofing assessment is relevant to your project, use our calculator to record the Table H2V1a risk factors for NCC 2022 or NCC 2025. Download the PDF to include with your supporting documents.
A risk score is one part of the assessment. It does not establish compliance or issue an approval.
Open weatherproofing risk calculator