Building Information Certificate

A Building Information Certificate (BIC) is a document issued by Council that confirms the existing condition of a building. It is commonly requested by buyers or sellers before property settlement to provide assurance that the building will not be the subject of enforcement action by Council.

A  Building Information Certificate (BIC) may also be required where building work has been carried out without the necessary approvals from Council or a Private Certifier. Once issued, the certificate generally prevents Council from ordering the demolition, alteration, or rebuilding of the structure covered by the certificate.

Who Can Apply?

An application for a Building Information Certificate may be made for part or all of a building by:

  • The property owner.
  • Another person with the owner’s consent.
  • A purchaser under a contract of sale (or their solicitor/agent).
  • A public authority that has notified the owner of its intention to apply.

What Needs to Be Included?

Applications must include:

  • A current, original or certified survey report and plan showing all existing buildings and structures.
    • For residential-zoned land, this is mandatory.
    • For other zones, Council will advise if a survey is required.
  • Contact details of a responsible person (e.g. agent or owner) to arrange a site inspection by Council officers.
  • Any additional documents Council may request, such as building plans, specifications, or certificates.

Note: If building works have occurred since the survey was prepared, an updated report is required.

Fees

Building Information Certificate fees are set under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2021 and listed in Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule.

Additional fees may apply if:

  • The application relates to unauthorised works carried out within the last two years.
  • A re-inspection by a Council officer is required.

Unauthorised Works

Applying for a BIC does not remove the risk of penalties or fines for unauthorised works under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or the Local Government Act 1993.

How to Lodge Your Application

All applications must be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal:

  1. Create a Planning Portal account – NSW Planning Portal Home Page → My Account.
  2. Follow the Quick Reference Guides for step-by-step instructions.
  3. Submit your Building Information Certificate application and upload required documents.
  4. Council will review your application for completeness. You will then be notified via the portal whether:
    • Additional information is required, OR
    • Your application has been accepted and fees are payable.
  5. Once fees are paid, the application is considered formally lodged.

Submit online: Building Information Certificate Application – NSW Planning Portal

More Information

For assistance, contact:
📞 (02) 4560 4444
📧 council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au