What is an occupancy permit?

Occupancy permits are documents that signify that a building surveyor is satisfied and has approved your building as being suitable for occupation. The Building Act 1993 requires the issue of an occupancy permit prior to occupation of a new building.

An occupancy permit is not a statement that all the building work is necessarily complete. Nor is it a certificate that states that all building work complies with the relevant legislation or contract. An occupancy permit is issued when your building is "suitable to occupy" from a health and safety point of view.

An occupancy permit will only be issued to you when items affecting health and safety are in place and capable of being operational. These include things such as the water supply, sanitary and cooking facilities, smoke alarms, safety glass, handrails and balustrades. It does not mean that all the painting is done or that the carpet is laid, for example.

When are occupancy permits required?

• A building permit will state whether you require either an occupany permit or a certificate of final inspection prior to occupation.
• Building work for a new home (including units or apartments) will always require an occupancy permit to be issued. It is an offence to occupy a new home that does not have an occupancy permit.
• A certificate of final inspection is issued for extensions or alterations to existing homes, which do not require an occupancy permit. Again, this will be indicated on the building permit.

What is the process?

Occupancy permits are issued when your building is considered suitable for occupation. An application for an occupancy permit is made to the building surveyor who issued the building permit. In deciding whether to issue an occupancy permit, the building surveyor 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.