Certificate for Public Use
If you want to occupy a premises before a Code Compliance Certificate is issued, when nearing the completion of work undertaken, you can apply for a Certificate for Public Use. This should be applied for 1 week prior to occupying. This certificate enables members of the public to use the premises or part of the premises until a Code Compliance Certificate is granted. This maybe subject to a number of conditions.
Anyone who owns, occupies or controls premises intended for public use may apply for a Certificate for Public Use. Before a Certificate for Public Use is issued an inspection is required by the Council. The applicant must ensure that there will be someone present at the premises who will be able to provide information on safety issues, control of access to the premises, any existing and changed specified systems and documented proof that these system have met their requirements etc.
What types of buildings require a Certificate for Public Use?
A certificate is required for all buildings used by the public, whether, with or without charge, such as a shopping centre or store, or where the public enter on payment of a fee, such as a sports stadium, swimming pool or zoo's. A certificate can apply to all or part of a building.
How do I apply for a Certificate for Public Use?
To apply, please download a Certificate for Public Use Application Form (PDF 273KB), complete and return the form to Council.
What information do I need to provide for a Certificate for Public Use?
The applicant (person who owns, occupies, or controls premises) must provide proof of ownership or authorisation to apply for this certificate by providing:
- Copy of Certificate of Title
- Lease
- Agreement for Sale and Purchase
- Licence
- Property Management Agreement
- Other - a document showing full name of the applicant.
- Fee
When will a Certificate for Public Use be issued?
Council will issue a certificate only if they are satisfied that those members of the public using the premises can do so safely and that all Specified Systems have been certified by the installers so that in the event of emergency those members of the public may be able to evacuate safely etc.
Note:
Certificates for public use do not relieve the owner of a building from the obligation to apply for a CCC after all the building work has been carried out. Note that a time limit may be placed on the Certificate for Public Use. All specified systems need to be maintained.
When will a Certificate for Public Use not be issued?
A Certificate for Public use cannot be issued:
- If part or all of the building required to be occupied is not deemed safe to use
- For any work completed before 1 July 1992
- If work was carried out without first obtaining a building consent (that is, unauthorized work)
- In the case of unauthorized work carried out between 1 July 1992 and 31 March 2005, a Certificate of Acceptance only may be applied for
- In the case of unauthorized work carried out after 31 March 2005, a notice to fix must be issued
- All existing and new specified system items have not been installed and not operating with certificates issued by the installer
What will a Certificate for Public Use cost?
Stand alone application and inspection fee: Certificate for Public Use Fees and Charges (see M on price sheet under Sundry Charges)
Application for Certificate for Public Use in conjunction with building consent application or scheduled inspection Fees and Charges (see N on price sheet under Sundry Charges)
For more information about Certificate for Public use refer to:
