Public Buildings

A public building is defined as a building, place or part of a building where people may assemble for:

• Civic, theatrical, social, political or religious purposes
• Educational purposes
• Entertainment, recreational or sporting purposes and
• Business purposes.

Examples include pubs, small bars, cinemas, function rooms, churches, educational facilities, large outdoor events, and sporting clubrooms.

The construction, operation and maintenance of public buildings are subject to the requirements of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911, the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 and the Building Code of Australia.

In addition to relevant approvals required by the City’s building and planning (such as development approval and/or building permit) a Certificate of Approval (Maximum Accommodation) must be issued before a public building can be occupied.

A Public Building application consists of a number of forms prescribed in the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992, and submission of all supporting documentation:

• Form One – Application to construct extend or alter a public building is to be submitted, and accompanied by detailed, scale plans to assess floor area, exit widths and toilet numbers.
• Form Two – Application for certificate of approval to be submitted when the construction of a public building is completed and ready for occupancy. An inspection will be undertaken to ensure compliance with any approvals or permits required
• Form Three – Application for variation of certificate of approval to be submitted for existing (temporary or permanent) public buildings prior to alterations or changes to the type of use are undertaken. Accompanying information must be provided to enable assessment, including detailed scale plans to assess floor area, exit widths and toilet numbers
• Form Five – Certificate of electrical compliance to be completed and submitted for all electrical works within the building.