VIC Guide

VIC: Final approval & occupation

What happens at the end: final inspections, required certificates, and the documents you must walk away with.

The key idea

Your building permit will state whether the end-of-project outcome is an Occupancy Permit or a Certificate of Final Inspection. Don’t assume — check the permit early so you collect the right evidence as you go.

Occupancy Permit vs Certificate of Final Inspection

Occupancy Permit
Common for new buildings / where required
  • Confirms the building is suitable for occupation (when required)
  • Issued by the relevant building surveyor
Certificate of Final Inspection
Often where an Occupancy Permit is not required
  • Issued by the relevant building surveyor after final requirements are met
  • Still a critical completion document
Practical tip
Ask your surveyor early: “What exact documents/certificates will you require at final?” Then build that list into your record-keeping system from day one.

Close-out checklist

  1. Confirm all mandatory inspection stages are signed off
  2. Collect compliance certificates from trades (as applicable)
  3. Photo-document “before cover-up” items (waterproofing, services, framing)
  4. Complete defects/rectification list before the final visit
  5. Receive and store your Occupancy Permit / Certificate of Final Inspection
Don’t miss this
Your building permit states which final document applies: Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection.