A building consent alone is not enough to legally complete a project. You may need some of these related certificates or compliance checks.
Certificates for public use, compliance and building work
Certificate for Public Use (CPU)
If you want the public to use a building once consent has been granted but before a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued, you must apply for a Certificate for Public Use (CPU). Buildings open to the public cannot be used or occupied until a CCC or CPU has been issued.
What is a CPU?
A CPU allows the public to use all or part of a building while building work is still being completed. Anyone who owns, occupies or controls a premises intended for public use can apply.
Apply for a CPU
We only accept online applications. If you need help applying online, visit one of our libraries with council services. For help with your application, call 09 301 0101.
CPU fees
Fees are indicative only and may change.
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate | $608 |
| Extension of time for CPU | $285 |
What happens next
Contact us early if you think you may not receive your CCC before your deadline.
We can only issue a CPU if we are satisfied the public can use the building safely. This may require an inspection.
You must still apply for a CCC once the building work is complete. We legally have 20 working days to process your application. The timeframe pauses if we request more information from you.
Certificate of Work (CoW) for restricted building work design
A Certificate of Work (CoW) must be included with every building consent or amendment application involving restricted building work (RBW). Visit Restricted building work that needs to be done by a professional for more information.
Submit a CoW
The following professionals must provide a completed and signed CoW:
- the designer
- Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
- a registered architect
- a chartered professional engineer.
CoW form
Submit the form with your building consent. We have also provided an example of how to fill it in and guidance notes.
The certificate must show that the RBW complies with the NZ Building Code.
If your amendment changes RBW, you must provide an updated CoW. If your project includes RBW and you do not provide a CoW, we may return your application.
Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) confirms an activity complies with the Auckland Unitary Plan and permitted activities.
Do you need a CoC?
A CoC is optional, but it can help when applying for development finance.
Once issued, it is a legal document and works similarly to a resource consent.
We assess the proposal against the Auckland Unitary Plan and relevant national environmental standards (NES).
What to include in your application
You are responsible for providing evidence, including:
- a description of the proposed activity
- site details of where the work will be carried out
- an explanation of how the activity complies with planning rules. It can be presented in a table, listing each provision and how the proposed activity complies
- relevant plans and calculations
- a Record of Title for sites included in the application
- a completed resource consent application declaration form (unless you are an approved credit account customer).
Declaration form
CoC fees
Fees are indicative only.
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of compliance | $1900 |
Apply for a CoC
Processing time
We will issue a CoC within 20 working days from:
- the date you submit your application, or
- the date we receive any additional information we request.
Place a third party (safe and sanitary) report on your property file
What is a safe and sanitary report
A safe and sanitary report is an independent assessment of building work completed before 1 July 1992. The report can help confirm the building is safe and suitable for use.
Guidance notes on how unauthorised building work is assessed
When you may need a third party report
You may want a report if:
- you are buying or selling a property where building work was carried out 1 July 1992
- your bank requires assurance about the building being safe and suitable for its use
- you are relocating a secondhand building.
Who can prepare the report
Reports can be prepared by:
- a registered building surveyor
- a registered architect or engineer
- a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
- another approved professional.
Fee
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Receiving third party reports or any other information to place on a property file – Fixed fee (not refundable, no additional charges) | $295 |
Apply online
We only accept online applications. If you need help applying online, visit one of our libraries with council services. For help, call 09 301 0101.
What happens next
We will add the report to the property file with a note that council does not accept liability for the contents of the report or any representations made in it.