Development certification | Lord Howe Island Board

Certificates for building work or subdivisions

Anyone undertaking building work or planning to subdivide land is responsible for obtaining certificates to show the work complies with relevant legislation and other standards.

This certification process ensures that development on Lord Howe Island is safe, is of the highest standard, and meets industry standards and the National Construction Code (NCC), previously known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

The Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) can advise which certificates are required for each development however these will usually be detailed in a Development Consent by way of a condition. These certificates are issued by accredited certifiers who are experts on technical standards and regulations and are registered to issue these certificates by the NSW Office of Fair Trading.

Post-approval certificates confirm that your construction plans and development specifications are consistent with the development consent, as well as complying with the Building Code of Australia and Board requirements. Any changes to your plans that are inconsistent with the development consent will need to be assessed. A subsequent application to modify the development consent may be required (see Modifications and Reviews).

Appointing a certifying authority

If work requires a post-consent certificate such as a construction certificate (CC) an accredited certifier must be appointed as the principal certifying authority (PCA) before work commences.

The PCA’s job is to collaborate with you through the construction process and issue you with an occupation certificate (OC) when the work is completed.

To make this decision, the PCA inspects the development at various points in the build and ensures that the building is safe and fit to occupy and in accordance with the development consent and CC.

It is mandatory that post-consent certificates are registered by the certifier via the NSW Planning Portal within two (2) working days of the certificate being issued.

Once appointed, the PCA will review building or subdivision works. They do this by making sure:

detailed plans and specifications for proposed work comply with relevant building standards and development consent requirements.
important building elements such as fire safety systems are installed to the required standards; and
the completed building or subdivision work is safe and healthy to occupy or use.

Note: LHIB do not provide a PCA service, nor can they make recommendations for a PCA. PCA’s can be searched on the NSW Government Fair Trading register.

The PCA will advise you the fees payable for engaging their services. These are paid under an agreement between the certifier and the applicant.

Notice of Commencement

Written notice must be given to the Lord Howe Island Board at least two (2) weeks prior to the commencement of building work.

What do you need to submit for a Construction Certificate?

A PCA will provide you with a detailed breakdown of what is required specific to your development and tailored to your specific Notice of Determination and Conditions of consent. While additional information may be required by the PCA, the following provides a guide for the information required for the majority of developments:

The application form: The details that you enter online via the NSW Planning Portal will constitute your application. You are advised the applicant's portal account should be used to lodge the application, as all correspondence about the application will be sent via the email address attached to that account.
A Detailed Specification: The specification must include.

The method of construction.
The standard to which any framing, wet area flashing, termite protection and glazing shall be installed.
A wind classification for the site shall be nominated, in accordance with AS4055 where any timber framing is proposed; and
A site classification, in accordance with AS2870, where any concrete footing or slab is proposed.

3. Engineers Details and/or Certification: You will require input from an engineer for the following type of work:

Concrete footings and/or slabs. A soil classification in accordance with AS2870 shall be nominated for all works involving concrete footings or a slab.
Steel members (e.g. beams or posts).
Where it is proposed to build on an existing structure, a statement of structural adequacy is required for the existing building/slab to ensure it is capable of carrying the additional loads.
Where a timber frame exceeds the design parameters of AS4055, “Wind Loads for Housing” or AS1684, Residential timber-framed construction, a structural engineer must certify the timber frame. A wind classification for the site shall be nominated on the plans.

4. Owners Details and Consent: The NSW Planning Portal will ask you to confirm that you have owners consent to lodge the application.

More information

If you need assistance using the Online Construction Certificate Service, please view the quick reference guides or contact ServiceNSW on 1300 305 695 for additional support.