Where development consent is granted for building work and a construction certificate has been issued, the next step is to appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) and no work can commence until this has happened. Furthermore, Council must be given at least two days notice of the commencement of the building work.

If building work is to be carried out as “complying” development, no building work is to commence until a Complying Development Certificate has been issued and a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) has been appointed. Council must be given at least two days notice of the commencement of the building work.

What is a PCA?

A PCA is the Principal Certifying Authority and one must be appointed prior to the commencement of any building work in accordance with a complying development certificate or a development consent and construction certificate.

The PCA can either be an accredited Council certifier or a private accredited certifier. The owner decides who the PCA is.

What does the PCA do?

The principal roles of the PCA are;

1. to ensure compliance with the development consent and the construction certificate or the complying development certificate;
2. to ensure compliance with all conditions;
3. to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia;
4. to carry out all the required inspections associated with the building works; and
5. to issue the occupation certificate when all works are completed.