A plain English explanation of this ACT planning and property term.
Certificate of occupancy means a certificate issued under the Building Act 2004 (ACT) confirming that a building or part of a building has satisfied the applicable building approval requirements and is suitable for occupation and use for its approved purpose. A building that requires a certificate of occupancy must not be occupied or used unless the certificate has been issued.
A Certificate of Occupancy and Use is an official building-completion document issued under the Building Act. In everyday terms, it is evidence that the completed building or part of it may be occupied or used for the approved purpose, subject to the certificate and any limitations. It is different from a development approval, which approves the planning proposal, and from a building approval, which authorises the building work before construction.