What are occupancy permits?

Occupancy permits are issued at the completion of a building or renovating project following an inspection by a building surveyor. 

An occupancy permit is issued when a building is 'suitable to occupy' from a safety point of view. It 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.

An occupancy permit is only issued when every item that can affect safety is in place and fully operational, such as the water supply; smoke alarms, alarm systems, handrails and balustrades.  It does not mean that all the painting is done, that the carpet is laid or that all the fittings are installed.  All of that may be weeks or even months away.