Building approvals can sometimes be confusing because different Australian states use different terms for similar approval processes.

In many states, the approval required before construction begins is called a building permit. In New South Wales, a similar approval is known as a construction certificate (CC).

While the terminology changes depending on location, both approvals serve a similar purpose: confirming that proposed building work complies with the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards and applicable building regulations.



Understanding the difference between these approvals can help builders, project managers and construction professionals navigate the approval process more confidently.

Regional terminology: Victoria vs New South Wales

In Victoria, Western Australia, and several other states, you apply for a building permit. This is issued by a building surveyor and must be obtained before any physical work begins. In contrast, New South Wales uses the construction certificate (CC). While a Development Application (DA) focuses on the “what” and “where,” the CC focuses on the “how,” ensuring the structural, fire safety, and health aspects of the design are technically sound.

The technical threshold

Beyond the name change, the transition from planning to construction requires a high level of detail. A permit or certificate requires a comprehensive data set, including structural computations, soil reports, and energy efficiency ratings. For professionals, the goal is to ensure the approved construction set perfectly mirrors the planning approval to avoid costly modifications or compliance “stop-work” orders once the footings are in.

Navigating performance solutions

Modern builds often push the boundaries of Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions. Whether you are seeking a building permit or a CC, using a Performance Solution can offer design flexibility. However, these require rigorous verification by a certifier or surveyor. Ensuring your documentation clearly justifies these deviations is the fastest way to bridge the gap between design intent and legal approval.



Ready to master the nuances of site certification? Back to Basics Business Training has nearly 30 years of experience delivering nationally accredited training. We also offer SCB9 – Building Approvals if you are looking to learn how to navigate these processes. Contact us today.