(02) 6836 5888
mail@cobar.nsw.gov.au
Certificates and approvals required before, during, and after construction. These documents ensure your development complies with relevant legislation, building codes, and planning controls.
Once your Development Application (DA) has been approved, you may be required to obtain a Construction Certificate (CC) before any construction or site works can begin. A CC confirms that your building plans comply with the Building Code of Australia and are consistent with your approved DA.
Check the conditions of your Development Consent. These will specify whether a CC is required before you can proceed.
You will typically need to submit:
If you’re unsure, please contact Council’s building surveyors for clarification.
Or, if you have the necessary documents, find “How to submit an application for a construction certificate” in Support Hub (linked in Related Information at the end of the page).
See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at end of page for more information.
A Building Information Certificate (BIC) is used to request Council’s assessment of an existing building or structure that may have been built without approval. A BIC does not approve the work, but if granted, it prevents Council from taking enforcement action (such as issuing orders to demolish or alter the structure) for a period of up to 7 years. Council will inspect the building and determine whether it is safe, compliant, and suitable to remain.
Before lodging your application, we strongly encourage you to seek advice from Council’s building surveyors to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
You’ll need copies of documents for uploading, which may include but are not limited to:
Note: The survey report and plan must represent the property and buildings as existing at the time of submitting the application.
Please email your proposal to mail@cobar.nsw.gov.au for assistance. Our building surveyors can provide guidance on the specific requirements and help you prepare a complete and accurate application.
Or, if you have the necessary documents, find “How to Submit a Building Information Certificate” in the Support Hub (linked in Related Information at the end of the page).
See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at end of page for more information.
A Section 68 approval is a formal permission issued by Council under the Local Government Act 1993 to carry out certain activities that may impact public land, infrastructure, health, or safety.
Common Section 68 activities include:
Check your DA conditions to see if an S68 is required.
Please email your proposal to mail@cobar.nsw.gov.au for assistance. Our building surveyors can provide guidance on the specific requirements and help you prepare a complete and accurate application.
Or, if you have the necessary documents, find “How to Submit a Development Application” in Support Hub (linked in Related Information at the end of the page).
See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at end of page for more information.
This type of application is required to carry out certain activities involving temporary structures or places of public entertainment, such as installing a manufactured home, moveable dwelling, or associated structure on land.
This ensures your proposal complies with the Local Government Act 1993, which defines:
You will typically need to submit:
This type of application is required to carry out work involving water supply, sewerage systems, or stormwater drainage, including connections to Council infrastructure or installation of private systems.
Activities covered under this category include:
You will typically need to submit:
This type of application is required when conducting events, performances, or commercial activities on land classified as community land, such as parks, reserves, or public spaces managed by Council.
Activities covered under this category include:
You will typically need to submit:
Site Plan showing the location and layout of the activity
Before any building or construction work can begin, you must appoint a Principal Certifier (PCA). The PCA is responsible for inspecting the work at critical stages and ensuring it complies with:
You can appoint either:
Council (Cobar Shire Council), or
A private certifier accredited under the Building Professionals Board
How to Appoint a PCA
Complete a Notice of Appointment of Principal Certifier form (applicable from CC)
Submit the form via the NSW Planning Portal
Lodge a Notice of Commencement before starting any work
It is your responsibility to contact the PC and schedule inspections at each required stage.
See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at end of page for more information.
An Occupation Certificate is required before a building can be occupied or used. It confirms that the building is safe, suitable for use, and complies with:
You must obtain an OC before using or occupying any part of a new building or structure. This applies to residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
Your Principal Certifier (PCA) is responsible for issuing the OC once all required inspections are complete and the development is compliant.
To apply:
See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at end of page for more information.
Council currently only assesses the following development applications through NSW Planning Portal:
Mandatory inspections carried out by your PCA at key stages of construction (e.g. before pouring concrete, after framing) ensure the work complies with approved plans and building standards and must be carried out by your Principal Certifier (PCA).
To book an inspection:
If Council is your PCA, you can book inspections by calling Council’s number (02) 6836 5888 or emailing planning@cobar.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW Planning Portal offers a Support Hub with step-by-step guides, FAQs, video tutorials, and contact options for further assistance. You can access training modules and contact the support team via an online form. You can also contact Cobar Shire Council Planning & Environment staff to assist you with the Portal.
If you have an unauthorised or illegal structure on your property (such as a shed, extension, or granny flat built without approval) you may be able to apply for a Building Information Certificate (BIC). Council will assess whether the development complies with relevant planning controls and may still issue orders to modify or remove the structure if it doesn’t meet requirements. In some cases, you may also need to lodge a retrospective Development Application (DA).
No. You must not begin any building work until a Construction Certificate has been issued and a Principal Certifier has been appointed.
Yes. You can appoint either Council or a private certifier as your Principal Certifier. They will carry out inspections and issue certificates like the CC and OC.
In Cobar, Council is usually appointed as the Principal Certifier because there are no private certifiers based locally, and engaging one from outside the area often involves extra travel costs. Private certifiers are generally only used by larger companies or developers with existing arrangements.
Yes. Plumbing and drainage works (including on-site sewage systems) require a Section 68 Approval, even if a DA isn’t needed.
No. Each certificate serves a different purpose and is issued at a different stage of the development process. You may need multiple certificates depending on your project. See the conditions of your DA consent or get in touch with Council.
Timeframes vary depending on the type of certificate, the completeness of your application, and whether additional information is needed. Contact Council for current processing times.
