Using Council as your Certifier

Apply for an Occupation Certificate

An Occupation Certificate is required before you can occupy or use a new building, or if the use of an existing building has changed.

This certificate confirms that the development has been completed in accordance with the development consent and that the building is suitable for occupation, based on its classification under the Building Code of Australia.

To request an Occupation Certificate from Council, you must complete an application and checklist. An application can only be lodged if Council was appointed as the Principal Certifier for the development.

Apply for an occupation certificate

You must lodge an application on the NSW Planning Portal. The NSW Government has prepared a step-by-step user guide for lodging an Occupation Certificate application on the NSW Planning Portal.

It is an offence to occupy a building or part of a building prior to obtaining an Occupation Certificate. On the spot penalties of up to $6,000 may be issued.