Outdoor Structure Approvals NSW
Approvals and certification for sheds, patios, studios, carports and more. Sorted.
Outdoor structure approvals, sorted.
Approvals aren’t just for dwellings; many outdoor structures like sheds, garages, patios, fences, studios and retaining walls also require certification in NSW. Our team makes it simple to work out what approvals you need, which pathway is fastest, and how to get started.
Whether it’s a one-off build or part of a bigger project, Buildcert works with builders, homeowners, designers, as well as shed and patio companies to certify all kinds of outdoor structures. We know the NSW rules inside-out, so we can guide you through the fast-track Complying Development Certificate (CDC) route where possible, or help you secure a Construction Certificate (CC) if your project needs a Development Application (DA) through Council.
We make the whole process clearer and quicker, so you can start building sooner, without the stress.
[ Our approach ]
How we get your outdoor structure approval sorted.
01
Start with your plansWhat we need to quote
For a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), if you’re unsure, send us your structure plans and any property details you have. A basic site plan is enough to start the quoting process, but extra documents like a Deposited Plan or Section 10.7 Planning Certificate can help us move faster.
For a Construction Certificate (CC), just send your development consent and your DA-stamped plans.
What happens next
Our team reviews your plans and gets back to you quickly with a clear quote for certification. Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll get the ball rolling on your approval.
02
Gather the essentialsWho handles this
You’ll provide the core documents, but we’ll guide you on exactly what’s required and can help source property information and documents if you don’t have them handy.
What we check
We review your application carefully to make sure nothing’s missing. At a minimum, we’ll need:
- For CDCs: architectural plans, external elevations, sections plan, construction details and CDC building envelope, Title Search, Deposited Plan, 88B Instrument, Section 10.7 Planning Certificate.
- For CCs: development consent from council and DA-endorsed plans.
Why it matters
Having the right information from the start keeps things moving smoothly. No back-and-forth, no hold-ups, just a clear path to approval.
03
Lodgement & AssessmentWhat's involved
We’ll prepare and lodge your application in the NSW Planning Portal and complete our assessment of your plans. If a site visit is required, we’ll arrange that too. During assessment, your certifier may issue a Request for Information (RFI) to confirm extra details or documents. If any tweaks to your plans are needed, we’ll talk you through them and help you get them sorted.
What you gain
Clear communication, no surprises, and a dedicated certifier who keeps your approval on track. You’ll know exactly what’s required and when, without the back-and-forth.
What we check
Your documentation, plans and reports will be reviewed against the relevant legislation and the National Construction Code (NCC) to make sure everything stacks up.
04
Construction & Final Sign-OffWhat's next
Your approval will outline the inspections required for your structure, so you’ll know exactly what needs to happen during the build. Booking is simple: request an inspection before 3pm, and we’ll be there the next business day.
Our team will complete all mandatory inspections to ensure your shed, patio, garage, or other outdoor structure meets safety and compliance standards.
The types of inspections are dependent on the outdoor structure you're building. Our team will provide a tailored inspection list for you once we've kicked off.
Outcome
Once we complete the final inspection and review your documentation, we’ll issue your Occupation Certificate, your official sign-off that the structure is complete and compliant.
Signed, sealed, sorted!
[ Services ]
The right solution, every time.
Buildcert sorts everything from approvals to final sign-off, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve got one team, all the way through. We’re your one-stop-shop for certification services.
[ Why choose Buildcert ]
Certification sorted.
For projects big or small, Buildcert gets your certification sorted. Trusted experience, clear communication and fast turnarounds mean you get less stress, more certainty, and support to keep your project moving.
- +47000Approvals issued.That's over 47,000 approvals, sorted.
- 15.6B$Total value of construction approved.$15.6B of construction approved and counting.
- +275000Inspections completed.Clients trust Buildcert because we’ve got the experience and know-how to get your certification sorted.
"Buildcert’s building compliance expertise was invaluable during our recent upgrades. Their team brought confidence, clarity and professionalism to a complex project, ensuring everything stayed compliant and on track from start to finish."
"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."
"Buildcert are a valuable partner for our team. Their practical guidance, collaborative approach and clear advice help us deliver bespoke designs that meet compliance without compromising creativity."
Ready to get your outdoor structure sorted?
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions about outdoor structure approvals or certification in general? We've put together answers to some of the most common ones.
What is Building certification?
Building certification is the tick of approval that your build meets NSW regulations. A building certifier checks your plans and inspects your site at key stages, making sure everything’s safe, legal, and ready to go.
What’s the difference between a Construction Certificate and a Complying Development Certificate; and which one do I need?
Both are types of building approval, but they apply in different situations:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): This is a fast-tracked approval that combines both planning and building approval in one. If your project meets specific rules under the State’s Housing Code (like height limits, setbacks and site coverage), you can skip council and get approved by a private certifier, often much faster.
- Construction Certificate (CC): This is used when your project has already been through the full Development Application (DA) process with council. A DA gives planning approval, and the CC is the building approval that follows. You’ll need both before work can start.
What is the process of certifying unapproved works?
If building work was done without proper approval, a Building Information Certificate (BIC) from Council is needed. Council uses the BIC to review what’s been done and decide if it meets current codes or needs modifications.
Can Buildcert help? Unfortunately, Buildcert can’t issue BICs. Only Council can issue a BIC NSW. However, as part of the BIC process, Council may request a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report. If this is the case, then we may be able to assist with this report depending on the project details.
I’ve already started construction, can I still get a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Construction Certificate (CC)?
Unfortunately not. Neither a CDC nor CC can be issued retrospectively in NSW. If you’ve built without approval, the right path is applying for a Building Information Certificate (BIC) through Council.
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