An Occupation Certificate confirms that a building is safe and meets the standards of The Building Code of Australia (BCA).  

Before a new building is occupied, a certifier must ensure it is safe and comfortable for future occupants. The registered certifier can be a Council certifier or a private sector certifier.

The Occupation Certificate must be submitted to the Council before the work is completed and the building is occupied. 
 

Can I get an Occupation Certificate to use part of a building while the rest is still under construction?

Yes, a partial occupation certificate of a building is still permitted. Parts of a new development may be ready for occupancy before the entire project is finished.

To accommodate this, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 allows a partial occupation certificate to be issued for a completed part of a building.

For this Occupation Certificate to be issued, the incomplete building works must not pose a health and safety risk to the occupants and any preconditions to the issue an Occupation Certificate for that part specified in the development consent must be met.

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

You will need:

• A MyService NSW Account or your Planning Portal login details.
• Your payment - you will be required to pay a NSW Planning Portal Service Fee of $45.00.
• Once Council is informed of your application's lodgement and after reviewing the application, Council will generate an invoice for fees to be paid in accordance with Council's Fees and Charges.
• Once payment is received, the application will be accepted and the applicant is notified through the NSW Planning Portal.