Apply for an occupation certificate

You need an occupation certificate (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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.