You may be wondering, what is code of compliance and is this something I need to worry about?
Code of Compliance is a formal certificate (issued under section 95 of the Building Act 2004) to say that your building has been built to the Building Code standard and complies with the building consent that was issued at the beginning of your project. This is basically the final tick of approval and can mark the completion of your project.
Code of compliance is critical in gaining insurance for your projects and future resale value. If a building doesn't have code of compliance, this will often show up in a LIM (land report) which can detract future buyers.
Code of compliance must be applied for once the building has finished. If code of compliance has not been applied for 2 years after your shed was finished, the local council usually send a reminder, however it does remain the property owner's responsibility to sort this. You can usually still apply for code of compliance after the 2-year anniversary, however extra fees or other paperwork may be required.
If you have a project completed several years ago, but are unsure whether it has code of compliance, the best thing to do is call your local council direct and work with them to work through in view of having it issued.
How do I get Code of Compliance for my shed?
The process for Code of Compliance can vary greatly depending on your project and your local council.
During the build, a number of inspections will be carried out by your local council which either the builder or you as the landowner will book in at the necessary time. These inspections will either be marked as a 'pass' or a 'fail' and only once all the inspections pass, can the code of compliance be applied for.
Every site and council will require different inspections to be carried out, with the most common ones being a foundation inspection, stormwater drainage inspection, and final inspection.
With some projects, approval outside of council is also required, meaning you may need to provide the council with more information or documented certificates. This may include energy or electrical certificates, a drainage plan, or a Building Location Certificate proving correct siting of your building. There can also be at times inspections required for Geotech reports, or engineers may check foundations are constructed in accordance with the building plans or site-specific requirements. Inspection requirements are set out in your consent, so refer to this for what's required otherwise call your local council to confirm.
If you pass all the inspections, then the code of compliance certificate can be applied for / issued.
The process of applying for code of compliance certificate varies between each council. Some councils may require you to fill out an online form, while others may require you to download a form, fill it out, and then email it back to them. For more information, get in touch with your local council and they can advise you of their standard procedure.
Does it cost to get code of compliance for my shed?
Applying for code of compliance does come with a cost, however these costs can vary greatly depending on your local council and the value of your project. Some councils may charge around $100, while others may charge $700. Again, it is best to get in touch with your local council and they can provide you with a more detailed costing.
It is up to the owner to issue CCC, however feel free to contact our team if you need any assistance. We have a team who deal with Building Consents and council work, and would be happy to help answer any questions you may have. For more detailed information regarding your project, it is often best to get in touch with your local council, as every council has different procedures, and your local council can provide information suited specifically to you.
For any other questions regarding your shed project, download your copy of our comprehensive Buyer's Guide, or get in touch with the team today.
