BCA reports for Canberra and the ACT

How building approval works in the ACT

In the ACT the planning decision (development approval under the Planning Act 2023, or an exempt development) and the building decision are separate. Building approval is issued by a licensed building certifier appointed by the owner under the Building Act 2004, on plans the certifier is satisfied comply with the NCC. The certifier's questions are NCC questions, and a BCA report answers them before the plans are lodged, so the approval is not a round of requests for information.

The report is prepared from the drawings, no site visit, and is written so the appointed certifier can rely on it: every non-compliance identified with the drawing reference and a practical fix.

What we assess in Canberra

• Houses, dual occupancies and up to three townhouses (Class 1a), including secondary residences
• Sheds, garages and carports (Class 10a)
• Shops, offices, cafés, warehouses, factories and childcare centres under 2,000 m² (Class 5 to 9b)
• Access reports to NCC Part D4 and AS 1428.1, and Livable Housing Design Standard assessments
• Performance solutions for light and ventilation, stairs, handrails, tactile indicators and weep holes

Fees

• BCA report, Class 1a: $3,300 inc GST ($3,000 + GST); Class 10a: $3,300 inc GST ($3,000 + GST)
• BCA report, Class 5 to 9b under 300 m²: $3,300 inc GST ($3,000 + GST); 300 to 2,000 m²: $5,500 inc GST ($5,000 + GST)
• Access report $3,300 inc GST ($3,000 + GST), or $1,650 inc GST ($1,500 + GST) with a BCA report
• 72-hour delivery from a complete drawing set; 24 hours at +50%