There are two type of approvals in the ACT for new development: Development Approval and Building Approval. For some houses and projects, you don’t need to lodge an Application for Development Approval with Environment and Planning Directorate, if certain requirements are met. However, while your development may be exempt from needing Development Approval, it will need a Building Approval. The requirements for exemptions vary according to the type of project. A complete list of developments that are exempt from development approval and the relevant criteria and requirements can be found at http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/sl/2008-2/default.asp

STEP 1
Have working drawings completed by designer/draftsman.

STEP 2
Provide the following documents to Select Structure P/L:
Select Structures Client Detail Form
Finished working plans (Land Development Agency approved plans if applicable)
Engineering plan
Energy Efficiency Rating (stamped by a registered assessor)
Home Owners Warranty (if applicable)
Copy of Owner/Builder licence (if applicable)
DA Notice of Decision (if applicable)


STEP 3
We will then generate the following government forms for signature of owner/lessee and builder:
a. Appoint a Certifier
b. Appoint a Builder and Application for Commencement Notice
Return these forms back to Select Structure P/L.
ACTEWAGL Compliances (electricity, water, gas) will be processed by Select Structure P/L. These approvals usually take between 2 to 3 weeks.

STEP 4
Once ACTEWAGL compliances have been received, we will assess the project and stamp plans ‘approved’. A Building Approval Certificate and Commencement Notice will be provided along with stamped plans, inspection checklist, and copies of ACTEWAGL Compliances.

STEP 5 (if applicable)
Owner/Builder
A Building Approval with stamped plans will be provided to the owner/builder.
The owner/builder must apply for their builders licence through the Department.
Provide he Department with Building Approval and stamped plans received from the certifier.
Once the owner/builder has been issued their licence, provide a copy of licence to Select Structure P/L.
Select Structure P/L will then require the Appoint a Builder and Application for Commencement Notice form be completed and signed. On return of this form, a Commencement Notice will be issued.

More links:
Appointment of a builder and application for commencement notice
Appointment of a certifier – application for building approval
Application for certificate of occupancy and use
Asbestos file search
Application for copies of plans/documents
Exemption Declaration – application for approval of minor departure/s from the single residential housing development code
Development Application – letter of authorisation