What is a Principal Certifying Authority?
Last modified: June 25, 2009 - 1:14 PM
A Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) plays an integral role in the construction process, overseeing the project from the commencement of work through to the completion of the building, conducting inspections at each required stage. You can either appoint Council or an Accredited Private Certifier to be the PCA. Council's Building Assessment Team offers a professional service if appointed as the PCA.
Appointment of a Principal Certifying Authority
Prior to any building or subdivision work being carried out, a Construction Certificate must be approved and a PCA must be appointed for the development. If you decide to appoint Council as your PCA please complete Council's Principal Certifying Authority Service Appointment form and submit to Council. If you do not appoint Council as the PCA, you must notify Council of the appointment of the Accredited Private Certifier at least 2 days prior to the commencement of any building work.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the PCA?
Being appointed as a PCA imposes certain responsibilities whether you have appointed Council or an Accredited Private Certifier. These obligations are as follows:
- To conduct a proper inspection of each required stage of construction (these mandatory stages are set out in your development consent);
- To certify at each stage of inspection that the works are being carried out according to the Development Consent;
- To promptly advise the applicant if any works have been carried out that are inconsistent with the Development Consent;
- To serve notices under s121 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act if any non-compliances are identified with the terms of the Development Consent;
- To issue an Occupation Certificate for any building work or change of use of a building when the relevant application has been lodged with Council and when all the required works and conditions have been satisfied;
- To promptly advise the applicant, after each inspection of any outstanding work;
- To certify that all the conditions required by the Development Consent, Building Code of Australia (BCA) and technical standards are complied with; and
- To oversee the entire construction process from commencement to completion.
Contact details
Great Lakes Council
02 65917222 (ph)
02 65917200 (fax)
council@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
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