Certificate for Public Use

Applying for a Certificate for Public Use (CPU)

If you want to let the public use a building before Council issues a Code Compliance Certificate, you must apply for a CPU.


You’ll need to apply for a CPU if:

  • you want to occupy all or part of a building that will be open to or used by members of the public.
  • the area intended to be occupied is still affected by building work.
  • you have a building consent for the work (granted since 31 March 2005) but no Code Compliance Certificate has been issued.

The CPU states that premises or parts of premises affected by building work are safe to be used by members of the public.

Note: You must still apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) when all the building work in the building consent has been completed.


How much does it cost?

There is a fee to lodge a CPU. Refer to our Building Consents fees list


Ready to apply?

Please apply through Objective Build

Please submit this Certificate for Public Use checklist (PDF 106 kb) when you apply online to make sure that you have provided everything we need to process your application.


What happens next?

If you are working to a deadline and you think you may not receive your CCC in time, contact Council to discuss a CPU application.

The more notice you can give us, the more chance that we can assess your application in time for your deadline.

Council will issue a CPU only if we are satisfied that the public can use the site safely. This is likely to involve an inspection.

Council has 20 working days to process a CPU application. We aim to process the CPU as quickly as possible.