Certificate of Occupancy

In South Australia, a Certificate of Occupancy is required for all new buildings (and building work where applicable) approved and constructed under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act). Structures such as garages, carports and verandahs are excluded and do not require a Certificate of Occupancy.

Applications for a Certificate of Occupancy are made and issued through the PlanSA portal.

Note: From the 1 October 2024, the requirement to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for Class 1a buildings (houses) was introduced. To find out if you need a certificate to occupy a dwelling or new building refer to Frequently asked questions: Certificate of Occupancy for new houses and additions (Class 1a buildings) (PDF, 279 KB).

About Certificates of Occupancy

The ‘Decision Notification Form’ will list whether a Certificate is necessary for the approved development and who will be issuing it – either the building certifier who approved the building plans or the local council

The Certificate of Occupancy provides assurance to the owner that the building constructed is suitable to be occupied.  The Certificate will be issued electronically via the PlanSA portal by either the council or the building certifier who assessed the building consent.

A building approved under the PDI Act cannot be occupied until the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. Penalties of up to $10,000 may apply.

A Certificate of Occupancy for Class 1a buildings (houses) will be required from 1 October 2024 unless it meets certain exclusions.  Please refer to the fact sheet on this page to understand if it applies to your project.

An application for a Certificate of Occupancy should be lodged through the PlanSA portal and must:

  • include any information required by the council or building certifier
  • be accompanied by certificates, reports or other documentation as required by regulations (including the Statement of Compliance)
  • be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
  • (where applicable) demonstrate that the mandatory requirements outlined in the Statement of Building Occupancy Requirements for Class 1a Buildings have been satisfied.

Note: there may be additional requirements depending on the building’s classification.

Building owners should confirm the requirements for issuing a Certificate of Occupancy with the council or building certifier  responsible for issuing the Certificate.

The relevant entity will exercise their professional judgment in determining if the building is suitable for occupancy, provided that the requirements of the PDI Act and General Regulations have been met.

The fee for applying for a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued by a council is set by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (Fees) Notice.

A list of current fees , including the Certificate of Occupancy fee, is available from PlanSA.

If a building certifier is responsible for the issuing the Certificate, the fee will form part of the commercial agreement between the applicant and certifier.

Documents

If you can't find a document, try searching the PlanSA resources library.

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