Occupancy Permit

Do I need an Occupancy Permit or a Certificate of Final Inspection?

Your building permit states whether you require an occupancy permit OR a certificate of final inspection. General examples include:

Occupany permit: 

• New buildings / dwellings
• Change of use
  

OR

Certificate of final inspection: 

• Minor alterations or an extension to an existing home
• Out buildings that required a building permit (due to the size of project / cost of the building works) including decks, sheds, patio, garage, carport

What is an occupancy permit?

An occupancy permit is a certificate we issue to indicate we're satisfied with the works and that we approve your building as being suitable to occupy from a health and safety perspective.

The Building Act 1993 requires the issue of an occupancy permit prior to occupation of a new building.

It is an offence to occupy a new home that does not have an occupancy permit.

When can an occupancy permit be issued?

An occupancy permit can be issued when items affecting health and safety are in place and capable of being operational. These include:

• water supply
• sanitary and cooking facilities
• smoke alarms
• safety glass
• handrails
• balustrades

When are occupancy permits required?

Building work for a new home (including units or apartments) will always require an occupancy permit to be issued. 

Note: A certificate of final inspection is issued for extensions or alterations to existing homes, which do not require an occupancy permit.

What is needed to get an occupancy permit?

We may request certificates or statements from various practitioners involved in the construction of the building to confirm that the building is suitable for occupation. 

Certificates may be required from the electrician and plumber for example, to show that power is connected and the smoke alarms are operational or that water, sewer and stormwater have been connected.