Change of use

Change of use is changing what a building is used for, a shed to a dwelling, a house to a boarding house, a shop to a cafe. It can change the building’s NCC classification and trigger a development approval, plus an obligation to meet the new class’s standards before the building can be lawfully occupied for the new use.

The trap is that “we’re just changing how we use it” is rarely just that in regulatory terms. A change of use can engage two separate systems:

• Planning: the new use may not be permitted in the zone, or may need a development approval (a shop to a food premises, a house to short-stay or a boarding house).
• Building (NCC): the new use may put the building in a different class, which then has to meet that class’s requirements, fire, amenity, access, energy, before occupation. This is the reclassification step.

So converting a non-habitable shed or garage to living space, or a house to a business, is not just a fit-out: it can require upgrades to fire separation, exits, accessibility, weatherproofing, insulation, and amenity to suit the new class, and the relevant approvals before anyone moves in.

For a builder the practical points are to check both the planning and building consequences before quoting a change-of-use job, because the cost of bringing the building up to the new class can dwarf the visible works. Confirm whether a DA and a new building approval are needed, identify the target class and what it demands, and price the compliance upgrade, not just the renovation. Occupying under the new use without the approvals and the class upgrade is unlawful and uninsurable.

Also known as: Change of building use, use change.

Category: Planning and building / Classification.

Related

• NCC building classes
• Reclassification

See also

• Non-habitable
• Development application

References

• NCC building classes (Chalkline) (verified 2026-06-01)

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Last updated: 2026-06-01. Verified: 2026-06-01. Quarterly review for currency.