Occupation Certificate

An Occupation Certificate (OC) authorises the occupation and use of a new building or part of a building.

  • A Final Occupation Certificate (OC) must be issued before the whole building can be legally occupied.
  • A Partial Occupation Certificate (OC) may be issued where only part of a building is complete and suitable for use, allowing staged occupation while other works are still being finalised.

When Can I Apply for An Occupation Certificate?

The Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) must be satisfied that the development meets relevant requirements, including:

  • A valid development consent is in force.
  • The design and construction are consistent with the development consent.
  • Any pre-conditions of consent or planning agreement requirements have been met.
  • A Construction Certificate (CC) has been issued.
  • The building is suitable for occupation in accordance with its Building Code of Australia (BCA) classification.

Application Requirements

Under Division 1, Clause 37 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, an application for an Occupation Certificate must be accompanied by copies of:

  1. Development consent.
  2. Construction Certificate.
  3. Fire Safety Certificate (if relevant).
  4. Compliance Certificate (if relevant).
  5. Any applicable BASIX Certificate(s) (where the consent includes a BASIX commitment).

Fees

Fees for Occupation Certificates are set under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and Council’s adopted Fees and Charges Schedule.

  • Separate fees apply for Partial OCs and Final OCs.
  • Additional fees may apply where re-inspections are required.

Lodging Your Application

Applications for an OC must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal.

Steps:

  1. Register for a NSW Planning Portal account via the Planning Portal Home Page.
  2. Create a new Occupation Certificate application and upload the required documents. Click here to view the Quick Reference Guide.
  3. Council will review the application for completeness.
  4. You will be notified via the Portal if additional information is required or if the application has been accepted.
  5. Once fees are paid, the application is formally lodged.

More Information

Contact Council’s Building Certification Team:
📞 (02) 4560 4444
📧 council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au