Occupation Certificate

An Occupation Certificate is issued by the appointed Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) for a development.

It gives approval for the use or occupation of a building. It is required for:

  • Any new building work.
  • Change of use of a building with development consent or a Complying Development Certificate.

The issue of the final Occupation Certificate is the last step in the formal Development Application and construction process. There could be ongoing ‘operational’ conditions such as maintaining appropriate noise levels or landscape maintenance.

 

How to apply?

Step 1.Create an account

Create an account on the NSW Planning Portal. 

Step 2.Apply using the NSW Planning Portal

Go to the NSW Planning Portal and complete the online application for an Occupation Certificate (OC).

Refer to the Quick Reference Guide - Submitting an Application for an Occupation Certificate for assistance with submitting your application.

Step 3.Upload required documents

Depending on the type of works or use, there will be certain documents that you will be required to lodge with your application. Refer to the Checklist for information.

The format, file size and documentation naming conventions used when uploading documents must meet Council's Digital Format Application Requirements.

Download the Occupation Certificate Checklist ensure you have attached the required documents and include it with your application.

Step 4.Lodged for review

Once the application is submitted through the Portal, an initial review will be carried out to check the information provided is sufficient for Council to accept. 

We will contact you if more information is required before the application can be accepted.

Step 5.Application ready to be accepted

When the application has been reviewed and is ready for lodgement, the payee nominated by the applicant will be invoiced for payment of the fees.

Assessment of your application will not start until the fees have been received by Council.

Step 6.Assessment of the application

Once fees have been paid, the application will be registered. A site inspection will then be organised.

Officers will contact the applicant if further clarification is needed.

Application checklist

You must attach a copy of the following documents when submitting the application. 

Download the Occupation Certificate Checklist(PDF, 141KB) and include it with your application.

  1.  Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate
  2. Construction Certificate 
  3. Subdivision Works Certificate
  4. A final Fire Safety Certificate or interim Fire Safety Certificate (where relevant)
  5. Other certificates relied on (ie Compliance Certificate)
  6. A copy of a BASIX Certificate (energy and water efficiency certificate) for the development if required by the development consent or complying development certificate.
  7. Contract for Certification Work 

Need help using the online service?

  • View the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s How To Guide. This will open in a new window.
  • Contact Service NSW on 1300 305 695