Non-compliant building works

If you believe a project is not following approved plans or conditions, you can report it to the project's nominated Principal Certifying Authority (PCA).

You can usually find the details of the PCA on signage at the construction site, or by contacting us.

The role of the PCA is to:

• check that the project complies with the development consent/complying development certificate and the construction certificate

• check that the project complies with the Building Code of Australia

• notify neighbours of the intent to start work and address community concerns regarding the works.

Some development is exempt from approval. These are projects that are usually quite small, with low impact on the environment and surrounds.

If development is not exempt, it must be certified or granted consent.

If you suspect a project does not have the necessary approval, you can report it to us:

Report it online

You can also raise an issue by phone: 1300 581 299.

Please supply as much detail as possible, including photos if you have them. This helps us to investigate quickly and thoroughly.

If you fail to obtain the relevant approvals or certificates you may be liable for significant penalties.

We can issue an on-the-spot penalty infringement notice for each offence up to $3000 for an individual and $6000 for a company.

For more serious breaches, the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 sets penalties of up to $5 million for unauthorised or non-complying development.

We can also issue orders or notices that require:

• demolition or removal of any unauthorised building work

• full compliance with a development consent, conditions of consent and the approved plans

• cease an unauthorised use.