Building certification

Building work is still assessable through private building certification under the Planning Act 2016 (PA), as well as under specific building regulations.

Under PA, Brisbane City Council must hold records of building approvals and certification information.

The legislation also requires that an accredited building certifier must lodge the following documents with Council:

  • engagement notice and application details
  • decision notice, approved building plans and any other documentation that contributed to the plan approval
  • completion details such as certificates, including certificate of occupancy (formerly referred to as a certificate of classification) and inspection certificates, and any other documents relating to the certification and acceptance of the completed building work.

The Planning Act 2016 and the Building Act 1975 require a private certifier to lodge building work documentation with Council.

Lodging building certification documents

Building certifiers must lodge documents with Council within five working days of the associated event.

Lodge building documents online (it is cheaper to lodge building documents online rather than by hardcopy). If you choose online lodgement for the building certification process, you must submit all building certification documents online. For example, if you lodge an engagement notice online, then you must also lodge the decision notice, final notice and any other documents online. 

Classification/type of work and fees for online lodgement.
Classification/type of workFee (online lodgement only)
All building structures Classes 1–10 inclusive and special structures where Notice of Engagement, Decision Notice, Final Notice/Certificate of Occupancy and attachments lodged via the portal. All documents are lodged via the internet.$69.65 (valid from 1 July 2023)

You can also lodge building documents at any Regional Business Centre. Phone Council on 07 3403 8888 to ask about the fees for lodging building documents in person.

More information

For more information about building certification requirements and regulations, visit the Planning Act 2016 website.

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