Fit-out done. Open legally with your OC.
"Our fit-out was complete and our opening date was set — but our certifier told us the OC would take another 6 weeks. Our lease, staff, and marketing were all locked in. No1 stepped in, completed the final inspection within 48 hours, and issued the OC 4 days later. We opened on time."
A Commercial Occupation Certificate (OC) is the mandatory final approval confirming that your completed commercial building or fit-out is safe, fully compliant, and legally authorised for use by customers, staff, and the public. It is a legal requirement under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 — no business can lawfully operate from newly built or altered premises without it.
- Legally required before any commercial premises can be occupied or traded from
- Confirms fire safety, accessibility, and NCC compliance at completion
- For staged developments, an OC may be issued for an eligible completed part if statutory requirements are satisfied
- Issued via the NSW Planning Portal and recorded on the property certificate
From practical completion
to legally trading.
Commercial OC typically issued within 2–7 business days once final inspection is passed and all conditions are satisfied.
Day 1
Practical Completion Notice
You notify No1 that works are at practical completion and request the final mandatory inspection.
Days 1–3
Final Critical Stage Inspection
Our certifier attends site to verify all works comply with the approved plans, NCC requirements, and conditions of consent.
Days 2–5
Fire Safety & Conditions Review
We confirm the fire safety schedule, fire safety statement, and any outstanding consent conditions are all satisfied and documented.
Days 2–7
OC Issued
Your Occupation Certificate is issued on the NSW Planning Portal. Your business is now legally cleared to open and trade.
Have a question about the process? Call us - we're happy to walk you through it.
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Final Fire Safety Certificate
For all essential commercial fire safety measures.
Contractor Certifications
Structural, electrical, glazing, and waterproofing certificates.
Mechanical Ventilation Certification
For air conditioning and exhaust systems.
Access & Mobility Compliance
Confirming AS 1428 compliance for disabled access.
Missing something? Don't worry — we can help source it.
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No.1 Building Services provides fast, unrestricted certification across the following regions. Explore our interactive coverage map.
Commercial OC FAQs
If an OC is required, trading or occupying before it is issued may breach NSW planning requirements and create enforcement, insurance and lease risks. Get project-specific advice before opening.
If the fit-out was approved by CDC or CC and requires an OC, the premises should not be occupied or used until the OC is issued. Minor exempt works may not require an OC.
An AFSS is an owner's annual statement confirming essential fire safety measures have been assessed and remain capable of performing to the required standard. It is separate from the OC process.
Avoid 'Interim OC'. For staged work, an Occupation Certificate may be issued for an eligible completed part if statutory requirements are satisfied.
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