When I stepped back from Council, I did so with clarity and optimism — not just about where our cities were headed, but about the role planning could play in shaping our future. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of planning, politics, and community, as a mayor, consultant, and researcher. I’ve seen the power of good planning to create liveable, inclusive, future-ready places. I’ve also seen how easily it can be derailed by short-term thinking — and how costly that can be for clients, communities, and councils alike. Greiss Planning exists to bring clarity, rigour, and steady leadership to the approvals process, so good projects can move forward with confidence.
Careful guidance through Building Information Certificate applications.
We guide you through eligibility advice, evidence gathering, application preparation, and council liaison — keeping the process clear, accurate, and risk-aware.
Building Information Certificates are often sought where works may be unapproved, historic approvals are uncertain, or compliance issues arise during a sale, purchase, finance, insurance, due diligence process, or in response to council action. A BIC can provide important reassurance by limiting a council’s ability to issue certain orders for demolition, alteration, or rebuilding in relation to works carried out before the certificate is issued.
When this service is needed
This service is particularly useful when you:
- are buying or selling property and approval history is unclear
- need advice on potentially unauthorised or historic works
- are responding to council notices or compliance issues
- want to understand whether a BIC is appropriate for your circumstances
What the service can include
- advice on BIC eligibility and likely issues
- review of approval history and available evidence
- coordination of supporting material and application preparation
- council liaison during the assessment process
- strategic advice on next steps and related planning pathways
Why this matters
Building Information Certificate matters often involve uncertainty, incomplete records, and potential compliance consequences. Careful advice and application management can improve clarity, reduce enforcement risk, and support a more orderly pathway forward.
Outcome
Outcome: Clear, independent advice and a professionally managed Building Information Certificate application — reducing enforcement risk, improving certainty, and helping establish the right pathway for lawful ongoing use where required.
FAQ
When should a Building Information Certificate be considered?
A BIC may be considered where works appear to be unapproved, historical approvals are unclear, or compliance issues arise in the context of a sale, purchase, due diligence process, or council investigation.
Can a BIC help with unapproved or historic works?
It can, in some circumstances, provide important protection by limiting a council’s ability to issue certain orders relating to demolition, alteration, or rebuilding for matters existing before the certificate is issued.
What information is usually needed for a BIC application?
This often includes available approval history, building or site documentation, and other supporting evidence relevant to the works and their background. The exact requirements will vary from case to case.
Does a BIC make works fully lawful?
Not necessarily. A BIC has a specific statutory effect, but it does not automatically resolve every legal or planning issue associated with a property. Advice should be tailored to the circumstances.
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Need advice on a Building Information Certificate matter? Contact Greiss Planning to discuss your circumstances and next steps.