If you want to open a building or keep part of a building open to the public while building work is still underway, you will need a certificate for public use (CPU). This applies until the building work has been completed and signed off.

A CPU helps make sure the public can use the building safely while work is completed.

Before the public can use the building

As a building owner, you must not allow access until:

  • a Council CPU inspection has been completed, and
  • Council is satisfied that public safety measures are in place (ie hoardings/fences, safe access routes, fire safety measures and features etc), and
  • the CPU has been issued.

Important: it is an offence to allow public use of a building while building work going on without a valid CPU. Fines can be up to $200,000, plus $20,000 for every day or part day the offence continues.

Public use explained

Public use generally includes buildings with free and open access for the public to use (free of charge or by payment) – eg:

  • Retail premises.
  • Schools and childcare facilities.
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities.
  • Recreation and sports centres.
  • Accommodation providers.
  • Public foyers in office and apartment buildings.
  • Reception areas open to the public even if the rest of the building is not accessible.

A CPU is not usually required for:

  • Private homes and apartments.
  • Offices or workplaces that the public can’t access (eg swipe card or keypad access).
  • Buildings where the work doesn’t need a building consent (eg non-structural shop fitouts).

How to apply for a CPU

Contact our building commercial team to discuss your project and the stage of construction:

Depending on the project, a pre-application meeting may be required.

If Council agrees your project is suitable for a CPU, you can then apply.

CPU fees

CPU fees include:

  • a fee for receiving your application, and
  • processing and inspection time charged on a time and cost basis.

Processing time

Council has up to 20 working days to review your application and decide whether to issue a CPU.

You will need to show that the area you want open to the public can be used safely while the building work is still underway.

What you need to provide

You will need to provide:

  • A completed certificate for public use (CPU) application form (Form 15) [PDF, 229 KB].
  • Evidence of ownership (current record of title).
  • Site and/or floor plans showing the areas proposed for public access.
  • A site-specific public safety management plan.
  • Contact details (ie name, role, email address, mobile number) for the person responsible for ensuring conditions of the CPU are adhered to during the life of the CPU.
  • A statement from the Fire Engineer confirming the building is suitable for use.
  • Confirmation that accessible routes and facilities are available for the areas open to the public.
  • The expected timeframe the CPU will be needed.

You may also need to provide (if not provided previously):

  • Energy works certificates (ie electrical, and gas if applicable).
  • Producer statements or certifications (ie PS4, PS3 and as built drawings) for installed and/or altered specified systems.
  • As-built drawings.
  • Producer statements (ie PS4) and & construction monitoring records for engineered work.

Note: Council may request additional information and/or justification during the assessment process.

Common reasons CPU inspections fail

To avoid delays, make sure the following are completed before booking your inspection:

  • Site safety
    • Hoardings and fencing installed as shown on the approved site plan.
    • Construction areas are clearly separated from public areas.
  • Accessibility
    • Accessible routes complete or suitable temporary solutions in place (ie accessible parking, ramps).
    • Accessible facilities complete, with all sanitary items and accessibility features installed (ie grab rails, kick plates, appropriate door handles/locks).
  • Bathrooms
    • All work complete, with all sanitary items in place (ie soap dispensers, paper towels, bins, toilet roll holders and paper).
    • Hot water connected, operating, and up to temperature at the time of inspection.

After your CPU is issued

Check your CPU certificate carefully for:

  • Any conditions you must comply with.
  • Expiry date or validity period – this is the time by which you either need to have an issued:
    • code compliance certificate, or
    • an extension to the certificate for public use.

If your project changes

If you want to open additional areas to the public during construction that are not covered by the current CPU, contact Council before doing so.

You may need:

  • An amendment to your CPU, and
  • An additional CPU inspection.

When the building work is finished

A CPU is only a temporary measure. Once all building work is complete, you must still apply for your code compliance certificate (CCC).

For more information see MBIE’s guidance on Public access during a build.