The building surveyor who issues the building permit carries out building inspections and issues an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection, whichever is stated on the building permit, on completion of your building work.
Occupancy permits following building work
Before occupation of a building, an occupancy permit is essential if the building permit states that one is required prior to occupation.
Occupancy permits are always required for a new home (including units or apartments) and are only issued when the building work is complete. It is an offence to occupy a new home that does not have an occupancy permit.
Occupancy permits also play an important role in establishing the start date for builders’ warrantees and, often, when the builder gets final payment.
Checking if an existing occupancy permit has been issued
Occupancy permits contain useful information, including:
- The maximum number of persons that may occupy the building
- Performance requirements of essential safety measures (primarily fire and other life-safety services in commercial buildings).
You can apply for a copy of an existing occupancy permit by contacting our Building Department. A fee is applicable.
