Apply for a certificate of existing use

You can apply for a certificate of existing use if you need written confirmation that a use, building or works on your land was lawful.

You may need to establish an existing use right if:

• the use, building or works would be prohibited under the current planning rules but was
• permitted without a development permit before a change to the planning scheme.

A planning certificate is considered proof of fact at the time of issue.

Before you apply

Before you apply, you will need:

• your contact details and other beneficiary details
• owner's authorisation if you are not the sole property owner
• evidence that the:
  • current use of the land is an existing use or
  • building or work is an existing building or existing work.

How to apply

Apply for a certificate of use through the Development Applications Online website.

Fees

You will need to pay a $326 application fee.

After you apply

Read below to find out what happens after you submit your application.

Decision maker

The decision maker is:

• Development Consent Authority (within DCA areas) or
• the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (outside of DCA areas).

Administrating branch

The administrating branch is Development Assessment Services.

Contact a planner.