You will need this certificate to occupy or use a new building or change the use of an existing building. The Building Code of Australia (chapters one and two of the National Construction Code) detail what uses are permitted for different classes of building.
Occupation Certificates can be issued as either an interim certificate or final certificate and can be issued for the whole or any part of a building.
An interim Occupation Certificate authorises a person to either:
- commence occupation or use of a partially completed building
- to commence a new use of part of an existing building.
A final occupation certificate authorises a person to commence occupation or use of a new building, or to commence a new use of an existing building.
A new building includes an altered portion of, or an extension to, an existing building.