Public buildings are regulated under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 and consequently the Health (Public Building) Regulations 1992. A public building is defined as:

a building or place or part of a building or place where persons may assemble for:

(i) civic, theatrical, social, political or religious purposes;
(ii) educational purposes;
(iii) entertainment, ecreational or sporting purposes; and
(iv) business purposes; and 

any building, structure, tent, gallery, enclosure, platform or other place in or on which a number of persons are usually or occasionally assembled.

Common public buildings  include small bars, nightbars, community centres, recreational centres, stadium, and cinemas. To apply for a Public Building Certificate or Approval, please submit the following items to the City:
 

• Form 1 – application to Construct, Extend or Alter a Public Building (PDF, 9KB)

• Form 2 – application for a Certificate of Approval (PDF, 65KB)

• A detailed plan (drawn to scale of 1:100) outlining the public building area, details of the emergency exits and exit widths, emergency lighting provided, fire fighting equipment locations and any major structures such as service areas, stages, kitchens and sanitary facilities.

• Application fee, as per the Health Services schedule of fees and charges (PDF, 220KB)

• A Form 5 – Certificate of Electrical Compliance (PDF, 66KB) must be provided after an inspection of the public building by an authorised officer. All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged by a licenced electrician, whom is required to complete and sign the form.

For more information regarding submitting an application for a public building, please contact the City’s Environmental Health Services on 9237 9222.