Apply for an occupation certificate

Introduction

The issue of the final occupation certificate (OC) is the last step in the formal DA and construction process.

You need an OC if you want to:

• occupy or use a new building, or
• change the use of an existing building.

OCs are issued by your local council or a private certifier.

They can be applied for online via the NSW Planning Portal, either:

• when you apply for your development application (DA) or complying development certificate (CDC), or
• as a standalone application.

Eligibility

For a certificate to be issued, the building or development must:

• meet the required regulatory standards
• be suitable for occupation (in accordance with its Building Code classification).

Note: Developers/builders of class 2 buildings are required to give 6 to 12 months’ notice of their intention to apply for an OC.

What you need

• a MyServiceNSW Account or your Planning Portal login details
• copies of documents for uploading, which may include but are not limited to:
  • development consent or complying development certificate
  • construction certificate
  • fire safety certificate
  • compliance certificate
  • documentation specific to your application (as requested by council)
• your payment.

How to apply

1. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
2. Select ‘Log in with a Service NSW account’ or enter your Planning Portal login details.
3. Follow the prompts to complete your application, either:
   • as a standalone application, or
   • by connecting to an existing DA/CDC application.

Note: If you’d like a step-by-step guide, download Submitting an application for an occupation certificate – PDF.

More information

A 'part occupation certificate' can be issued for staged projects/works. This certificate allows you to occupy the part of the building that’s been completed.