Council Approvals: Who You Need and What Each Consultant Does
Council approvals often involve multiple consultants, each responsible for a different part of your application.
Understanding who’s involved and when can help reduce delays, avoid rework and keep your project moving forward.
To make the process clearer, we’ve outlined the key consultants you’re likely to work with when delivering a TechSpan steel building.
What is a Principal Certifier (PCA) and what do they do?
The Principal Certifier (previously referred to as the PCA) is responsible for ensuring your project meets all relevant approvals and regulatory requirements during construction.
Their role typically includes:
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Monitoring compliance with the development consent and construction or complying development certificate
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Confirming the project aligns with the National Construction Code (NCC) and applicable standards
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Carrying out mandatory inspections at key stages of construction
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Ensuring all conditions of approval are met throughout the build
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Issuing the Occupation Certificate once the project is complete and compliant
What is a Town Planner?
A town planner works with you to assess your development and guide it through the council approval process.
They provide advice on zoning, planning controls and approval pathways, helping shape your project to align with council requirements from the outset.
Town planners can also prepare and coordinate the necessary planning reports and documentation to support your application and improve the likelihood of approval.
What is an Architectural Draftsman?
An architectural draftsman translates your concept into detailed drawings and plans required for council approvals and construction.
These plans form a key part of your application, clearly outlining the layout, dimensions and design of your building to ensure it can be assessed, approved and built correctly.
What is a Structural Engineer?
A structural engineer ensures your building is designed to be safe, stable and fit for purpose.
They assess loads such as wind, weight and usage, and design the structural system to ensure the building performs under these conditions. Their work supports compliance with relevant standards and ensures your structure is buildable and durable over time.
What is a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers design and plan the construction of dams, bridges, pipelines, sewage systems, roads and other civil projects. They also analyse the likely behaviour of soil and rock at the site of your proposed development to ensure your new building and its foundations will be structurally sound.
What is the Role of A Builder?
A builder is responsible for managing and delivering the construction of your building on site.
They coordinate trades, oversee the construction program, and ensure the project is built in line with the approved plans, engineering and compliance requirements. This includes managing site safety, quality control, scheduling and day-to-day progress.
|The builder brings together all parts of the project during the construction phase, ensuring materials, labour and sequencing are aligned to deliver the structure as designed.
What is a Private Certifier?
A private certifier is a registered professional who assesses your plans and approves building work against relevant codes and standards.
They can issue construction or complying development certificates, carry out required inspections during the build, and may also act as the Principal Certifier (PCA) for your project.
What is TechSpan’s Role?
TechSpan supports the structural scope of your project from concept through to construction.
We manage the design, structural engineering and supply of the structural steel and cladding package, ensuring all elements are aligned, compliant and ready for delivery.
Our scope includes structural steel, cladding, doors, windows and rainwater goods to ground level.
Where required, we can also support civil and concrete design and connect you with trusted consultants and trades through our Builder Partner network.