Occupancy Permit / Occupation Certificate (Multi-state: VIC Form 15/16 / NSW OC / QLD Form 11)

Issuing authority

VIC: Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) — issued by registered building surveyor / NSW: Building Commission NSW — issued by certifier via NSW Planning Portal / QLD: Private Building Certifier or Local Government

Official source

How to apply

1. Ensure all building work is complete and all required inspections have been passed — no outstanding defects or mandatory inspections should remain.
2. VIC: Obtain all required plumbing compliance certificates for any plumbing work on the site — these are a prerequisite for the Occupancy Permit.
3. VIC: Complete Form 15 (Application for Occupancy Permit) and submit to the building surveyor who issued the original building permit at least 30 days before intended occupation.
4. NSW: Ensure all design compliance declarations and building compliance declarations are lodged on the NSW Planning Portal — certifiers cannot issue an Occupation Certificate until these are complete.
5. NSW: Apply for the Occupation Certificate via the NSW Planning Portal (planningportal.nsw.gov.au) or through your principal certifier; the certifier assesses compliance and issues the OC.
6. QLD: The private building certifier issues Form 11 (Certificate of Occupancy) upon satisfactory completion of all inspections and documentation; the certifier must give the local government copies of all inspection documentation within 5 business days.
7. QLD: Display the Form 11 near the main entrance of the building before occupation for buildings classified 1b–9.
8. Do not occupy the building until the certificate is received — unlawful occupation may result in penalties.

Related topics

Related forms

• Building Permit Application (Multi-state: VIC Form 1 / WA BA1 & BA2 / QLD Building Approval / NSW Development Application)VIC: Form 1 (Application for a Building Permit); NSW: DA form via NSW Planning Portal; QLD: No fixed form number — lodged with private certifier or council; WA: BA1 (certified) / BA2 (uncertified)
• Owner-Builder Permit / Licence — QLD, WA, SA, ACT and NTQLD: Owner-Builder Permit Application Form (form-ob-permit-application.pdf); WA: Form 75 (Approval — Owner-builder, updated; old version invalid from 1 June 2026); SA: CBS Online Form (via cbs.sa.gov.au/online-forms); ACT: Application for Construction Occupation Licence — Individual Owner Builder (forms.act.gov.au form code 1166); NT: Owner Builder Application Form (bpb.nt.gov.au)
• Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) Certificate of Insurance — NSW / Domestic Building Insurance Certificate — VIC / Home Indemnity Insurance Certificate — WA / QBCC Home Warranty Insurance
• Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) — NSW
• Wet Area Waterproofing Compliance Certificate — VIC (Plumbing Compliance Certificate via VBA360) / NSW (Waterproofing Certificate) / QLD (Form 43 Aspect Certificate)VIC: Plumbing Compliance Certificate (VBA360); QLD: Form 43 Aspect Certificate; NSW: no standardised form number