Occupations certificates

What is an Occupation Certificate?

An Occupation Certificate verifies that the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) is satisfied that the building is suitable for occupation or use in terms of the requirements of the Building Code of Australia. 

There are two kinds of Occupation Certificates, a partial occupation certificate and a final occupation certificate.

How do I apply for an Occupation Certificate?

Clause 149 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations requires an application for occupation certificate be made by a person who is eligible to appoint a PCA for the relevant development. 

To comply with the legislation, it is necessary to make an application for an Occupation Certificate where Council has been appointed as the PCA.

You can apply for an Occupation Certificates online via the NSW Planning Portal.

 

What if Council is not the appointed PCA for this particular project?

An Occupation Certificate can only be issued by the PCA appointed for the particular building project.  Therefore, if Council has not been appointed as the PCA, it will be necessary to discuss this issue with the PCA appointed for that project.

An Occupation Certificate must be submitted to Council at least 48 hours prior to requesting a final inspection. 

 

What are the fees to apply for an Occupation Certificate?

The Occupation Certificate fee will be according to the current Fees and Charges.

 

What must be satisfied prior to the issue of a Partial or Final Occupation Certificate?

  • a Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) has been issued for the work
  • a Construction Certificate (CC) has been issued for the work (not applicable where a CDC has been issued)
  • the conditions prescribed in the development consent that must be satisfied prior to the issue of an Occupation Certificate have been met;
  • the building is suitable for occupation or use in accordance with the Building Code of Australia
  • the building does not constitute a hazard to the health or safety of the occupants
  • all BASIX commitments must be completed

What documentation must be submitted prior to the issue of an Occupation Certificate?

  • frame and truss certification
  • wet area certification – that installation meets requirements of AS 3740
  • glazing certificate – that installation meets requirements of AS 2208 & AS 1288
  • survey to confirm that the building envelope conforms to the approved plans prepared by a registered land surveyor where applicable
  • electrical certification – that confirms smoke alarms have been installed in accordance with AS 3786
  • termite management certification – that confirms the termite management system meets the requirements of AS 3660