Occupancy Permit

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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:


Occupancy Permit: 

  • New dwellings
  • Change of use


OR


Certificate of Final Inspection: 

  • Minor alterations or an extension to an existing home
  • Outbuildings that required a building permit including decks, sheds, verandahs, garages and carports


Contact our friendly staff if you require clarification.

What is an Occupancy Permit or Occupation Certificate?

An Occupancy Permit, also known as an Occupation Certificate or Certificate of Occupancy 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 a Final Inspection has been carried out and the Building is deemed fit for occupation. 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.

Occupancy Permit 

If a Building Permit states that an Occupancy Permit is required for the whole of a building, a person must not occupy that building unless the relevant Building Surveyor has issued an Occupancy Permit. An Occupancy Permit is issued upon satisfactory completion of building works and where the building or space is fit for occupation.

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