An application for a building information certificate (BIC) is typically made when unauthorised building works have been carried out. As it is not possible to obtain development consent or a construction certificate for a building that has already been erected, a BIC is generally the only option available to 'regularise' building work that has been carried out unlawfully.
This certificate prevents your council from taking the following actions from the date of issue of the certificate:
- make an order (or take proceedings for the making of an order or injunction) under the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or Local Government Act 1993, requiring the building to be repaired, demolished, altered, added to or rebuilt
- take civil proceedings in relation to any encroachment by the building onto land vested in or under the control of the council.
A building is a temporary or permanent structure (not including manufactured homes, moveable dwellings or associated structures). This certificate may apply to a part of or the whole of a structure.