About occupancy certification

A certificate of substantial compliance shows the building work covered by the certificate:

• was constructed under a valid building permit 
• meets the technical standards and codes that applied at the time the building permit was granted
• has minor departures from the legislated construction and certification processes.

This category of certification cannot be granted where there is any non-compliance with the technical standards and codes that applied at the time the building permit was granted.

This level of certification can be granted by a building certifier for any class of building.

A certificate of substantial compliance can be granted by a building certifier against an expired building permit, but only for works that were carried out while the building permit was valid.

What are minor departures

Minor departures may include works not constructed precisely in accordance with approved plans, missing required inspections or missing documentation. Missing documentation may include for example, a glazing certificate or plumbing certificate.  

Read the Occupancy Certification Guidelines for more information about minor departures.

How to apply

Go to building and renovating: permit and processes to find out how to apply for a certificate of substantial compliance.

Further information