A certificate for public use is issued when we are satisfied the premises are safe for members of the public to use, before a code compliance certificate is issued.
It specifically applies to ongoing construction work. You must have a certificate for public use if the public are to have access to all or parts of the building (either during construction or on completion) before a code compliance certificate is issued.
Anyone who owns, occupies or controls premises intended for public use may apply for a certificate for public use as per the NZ Building Act 2004 Section 362W.
Issuing a certificate for public use
Council will only issue a certificate for public use (Form 16) if we are satisfied that members of the public can use the premises safely. This is likely to involve an inspection.
We will take into account any safety precautions and plans that have been put in place. Certificates for public use do not relieve you, as owner of a building, from the obligation to apply for a code compliance certificate after all the building work has been carried out.
There are two stages for a CPU to be issued. A site inspection undertaken by the inspections team and a documentation check by the CCC team.
Once your application is completed, upload to Alpha One (required documents tab) and then phone the Council’s Building Inspections team 07 577 7334 for a Certificate for Public Use building inspection.
Inspection
The inspector will undertake the site inspection under a cloned building final. The building is checked for safety aspects including but not limited to below (depending on the size and use of the building).
- Check plans and fire report. Is as per plans or any temporary egress plan provided from a suitably qualified person (e.g fire engineer) to cover occupancy load required for CPU.
- Escape routes are clear. Continuing building work, scaffolding, hoarding etc will not block escape routes.
- Fire safety precautions in place. All specified systems are fully operable for the public area and ongoing construction has warning for occupied area in event of fire.
- Safety barriers in place for both safety from falling and prevention of access to other parts of the site.
- Overhead protection. Activities on uncompleted parts of site do not pose a threat to occupants. E.g protection from objects falling from scaffold.
- Adequate personal hygiene facilities. Toilets are available for use for staff and where required public.
- Protection of potable water. All water supplied coming into the area have adequate protection from cross connection.
- Structure supporting the building is completed and safe for public occupation.
- Slip resistance in place where required.
- Manifestation in place for glazing as per code requirements.
- Stair dimensions, handrails, treads, nosing etc complete.
- Test water temperature (focus on early childcare centres and care homes).
Documentation
Once a passed site IR has been received the CCC assessor will check the below documentation (further documentation may be required in accordance to the building consent conditions)
- Application for CPU.
- Site Management Plan
- Means of Escape/Final Exits Plan
- Specified systems installers PS3s.
- Fire systems (sprinkler, alarm, riser main) Independent certification or letter confirming inspection has been undertaken and complies to performance standard.
- Backflow test reports.
- Passive fire schedule.
- Electrical and Gas certificates.
- Engineers PS4s or letters confirming area is suitable for CPU.
- Structural Steel PS3.
- Precast Panels PS3
Further information
For further information on CPUs please refer to MBIE’s Public access while building or altering a building webpage.