Public safety is paramount. If you have a certificate for public use in place or may need to apply for one in the future, read on.

A certificate for public use is a short term, interim measure to cover the period between when the building can be safely and legally occupied by members of the public, and the issue of the code compliance certificate for the building consent.  Anyone who owns, occupies or controls premises intended for public use may apply for a certificate for public use.

The certificate for public use when issued has an expiry date and it is the responsibility of building owners or their agents to monitor this closely. If work has not been completed by the expiry date a renewal must be applied for. 

We are proposing to significantly increase the cost of renewing a certificate for public use.  Further information including how you can provide feedback on proposed increases can be found in the Fees and Charges article in this publication.

Certificates for public use do not relieve the owner of a building from the obligation to apply for a code compliance certificate after all the building work has been carried out.  It is highly important to complete the building work and obtain a code compliance certificate.

Please note if you do not have a certificate for public use, you could be fined up to $200,000, and fined up to a further $20,000 for every day or part of a day the offence continues.

Contact Building Services if you require more information on this subject.