Development steps
The development process can be a complex process. It is recommended that you utilise the services of professionals to assist you with the preparation of your plans and or application.
The main steps consist of:
In each of these steps there are a number of tasks that should be completed. You are advised to make yourself familiar with all requirements.
The diagram below illustrates these stages and where they occur within the Development process.
| Development Application | Determine if Development Consent is required. Lodge your application |
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| Development Consent | Council grants Development Consent subject to conditions |
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| Construction and/ or Subdivision Certificate |
Obtain any required Construction and/or Subdivision Certificate - Make sure you satisfy all conditions required prior to the issue of the Certificate |
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| Appoint Builder (Principle Contractor) | Sign a contract with a licensed builder and make sure the builder has proper insurance in place |
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| Home Warranty Insurances | Obtain a copy of the builder's home warranty insurance for your development (if residential work). This must be given to the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) |
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| Appoint Building Inspector Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) | Council or an Accredited Certifier maybe appointed to do the building inspections and monitor compliance with the development consent. If you are an Owner Builder obtain a permit from the Department of Fair Trading |
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| Notice of Commencement | Complete the notice of commencement form and lodge it with Council before work commences |
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| Building or Subdivision Work | Comply with all consent conditions |
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| Critical Stage Inspection by PCA | Make sure you give the required notice to your PCA to allow for required building inspections to be done |
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| Fire Safety Certificates (if required) | Complete a Fire Safety Certificate and attached certificates for all essential fire safety measures to it. (Not required for single dwelling houses) |
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| Occupation Certificate Application | Make application for the Occupation Certificate and attach to it the Fire Safety Certificate. |
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| Occupation Certificate | Do not occupy the building or any part of the building without at least an Interim Occupation Certificate |
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| Annual Fire Safety Statement | The building owner(s) must make sure that they maintain essential fire safety measures and certify them annually (Not required for single dwelling houses) |
Note - The above table does not include all possible requirements and should be used as a guide only.
Development and Building Advisory Service
Council provides a free advisory service to the public to help with basic enquiries on the development and building process and Council’s planning controls.
Enquiries can be made by:
- Calling 4974 2036 between 8.30am and 4pm
- Visiting Council’s City Administration Centre between 8.30am and 4pm. No appointment is necessary (waiting times should be expected).
Further information on the service is detailed in Council’s pamphlet titled 
Help for you with development and building enquiries (351kb)
For every property transaction you make, you need to think about tax implications
To help you to determine property related GST obligations, refer to the GST and Property Guide on the Australian Taxation Office website.
Contact us
City Administration Centre
282 King Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
Tel: 02 4974 2000