A certificate of occupancy is the council's confirmation that a finished building complies with the approved plans and may be occupied. Under section 14 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, the council must issue it within 14 days of a written request once the building complies and the required certificates are in.
What the council wants
Section 14 of the Act names the electrical, structural and fire installation certificates. Councils usually also ask for plumbing and glazing certificates and the engineer's completion certificate, so check your council's list. The council's building inspector also inspects the work.
Why it matters
Banks paying out a building loan and buyers ask for it. Using or occupying a building without one is an offence under the Act.