Occupancy Permit in Davao City
Finished your construction project? Learn how to secure an Occupancy Permit, prepare your completion documents, and get approval before using your building.
Your Occupancy Permit at a Glance
Three essentials to understand before requesting final occupancy approval.
Finish Construction
Ensure the building is completed in accordance with its approved plans and permits.
Gather Completion Records
Prepare your approved plans, completion documents, and required fire safety certification.
Apply Through OCBO
Submit the requirements, complete applicable inspections and payments, and await approval.
Remember: A Building Permit authorizes construction. An Occupancy Permit is a separate approval required before the completed building is used.
Who Needs an Occupancy Permit in Davao City?
An Occupancy Permit confirms that a building meets the applicable requirements for its approved use. It is required before occupying a completed building or changing its existing use or occupancy classification.
Newly Built Residential Properties
Owners of newly completed houses, apartments, and other residential buildings must secure occupancy approval before moving in or allowing occupants to use them.
Commercial & Institutional Buildings
Newly constructed offices, shops, schools, warehouses, and similar buildings need occupancy approval before opening or being used for their intended purpose.
Completed Extensions & Building Areas
Newly completed additions or portions of a building may require occupancy approval before use. OCBO will assess the relevant permit records and completed work.
Changes in Building Use
Converting a residence into a shop, or changing another building’s approved use or occupancy classification, requires review and approval by the Building Official.
Who Can Apply?
Building owners and authorized representatives can submit an Occupancy Permit application. Davao City’s Citizen’s Charter lists this service as available to all.
Applying for someone else? Prepare the required authorization letter and the owner’s valid identification documents.
Does Every Existing Building Need a New Permit?
A simple change of tenant or business owner does not automatically mean the building’s occupancy classification has changed.
However, if the intended use changes, the building was altered, or existing occupancy records are missing, consult OCBO before using the premises.
Occupancy Permit Requirements in Davao City
Before applying, prepare your completed building records, approved permits, and required safety documents. These are the requirements listed by the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO).
Application Forms & Identification
Start with the application forms and documents identifying the property owner or authorized applicant.
- Application Letter prepared by the owner or applicant.
- Certificate of Occupancy application form obtained through OCBO and properly completed.
- Owner’s valid government ID with three specimen signatures.
- Authorization Letter if someone other than the owner is applying.
Completion Records & Approved Plans
These documents help OCBO compare the completed structure with its approved construction plans.
- Certificate of Completion prepared using the appropriate OCBO form and completed as required.
- Approved Building Permit plans showing the authorized construction.
- Approved construction and ancillary permits, including architectural, structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits relevant to the project.
Fire Safety & Building Photographs
OCBO reviews the finished structure and coordinates applicable safety requirements.
- Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection.
- Photographs of the completed building showing all four elevations: front, back, left side, and right side.
Additional Technical Documents
Some applications require further verification because of changes in project professionals or building height restrictions.
- Notarized Waiver from the Previous Professional-in-Charge when construction was transferred to a different responsible professional from the one named in the Building Permit.
- Building height survey and CAAP clearance, including structural images and an actual height survey signed and sealed by a licensed Geodetic Engineer. Confirm the applicability with OCBO for your project.
Before submitting: Ask OCBO for the current forms and confirm which special requirements apply to your building. The Fire Safety Inspection Certificate may be coordinated during processing, so follow OCBO’s instructions on when to provide it.
How to Apply for an Occupancy Permit in Davao City
Finished construction? Follow the process for submitting your completion records, completing inspections, paying assessed fees, and receiving your occupancy approval.
Where to begin: Office of the City Building Official (OCBO), Davao City.
Official Office InformationGet the Occupancy Permit Forms
Contact or visit OCBO to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Completion forms. Ask the receiving staff to confirm the current document checklist for your building.
Starting point: OCBOComplete and Submit Your Documents
Fill out the required forms and prepare your application letter, approved building permit and plans, completion records, identification, and applicable supporting documents.
Submit the requirements to OCBO. The office checks your documents, records the application, and routes it for review and zoning validation.
Keep copies of your submitted records.Wait for Document and Technical Evaluation
OCBO reviews the submitted records and checks the building against relevant construction, zoning, and safety requirements.
If documents are incomplete or corrections are required, coordinate with the relevant licensed professional and submit the requested revisions.
Attend the Building Inspection
OCBO conducts inspections covering applicable architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and site-related requirements.
The applicant or authorized representative, such as an architect or engineer, must be present on-site during the inspection. Make the relevant areas accessible to the inspectors.
Resolve any deficiencies identified by OCBO.Receive the Payment Assessment and BFP Instructions
After evaluation, OCBO prepares the applicable assessment and Order of Payment (OP). The office also coordinates the required endorsement to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Follow the instructions for obtaining or submitting the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC), along with any remaining clearance documents.
Pay the Fees and Return the Required Records
Pay the assessed charges through the authorized payment channel indicated by OCBO. Keep the Official Receipt (OR).
Return the Order of Payment, receipt, approved plans, FSIC, and other requested documents to OCBO for final processing.
Pay only the amount shown in the official assessment.Claim Your Approved Occupancy Permit
OCBO completes the internal endorsements and sends the application to the Building Official for approval.
Once approved, follow the release instructions and claim your Certificate of Occupancy and approved documents. Keep them for property records, utility connections, and future inspections.
Do not move in or begin using a building that requires occupancy approval until the Certificate of Occupancy has been officially issued. An approved Building Permit alone does not authorize occupancy.
Occupancy Permit Fees & Processing Time
Know the published processing time, understand the official fee schedule, and see what must happen before your Certificate of Occupancy is released.
+ 4 Hours & 40 Minutes
How Long Does It Take?
This is the total service processing time published in Davao City’s 2026 Citizen’s Charter for the issuance of an Occupancy Permit.
Actual completion can take longer if your documents need corrections, the building fails inspection, or clearances from CPDO or BFP are still pending.
How Much Does an Occupancy Permit Cost?
Occupancy fees depend on the building classification and reported construction cost. The following figures are basic schedule examples for Division A-1 and A-2 buildings.
They are not a quote for your complete transaction.
- Up to ₱150,000
- ₱100
- Above ₱150,000 to ₱400,000
- ₱200
- Above ₱400,000 to ₱850,000
- ₱400
- Above ₱850,000 to ₱1,200,000
- ₱800
Larger projects and other building classifications follow different scheduled rates. Additional zoning, fire safety, and other applicable charges may be assessed separately. Always rely on the official Order of Payment.
When Can You Occupy the Building?
OCBO must complete the required evaluations and inspections. You must resolve any outstanding deficiencies, meet applicable fire safety requirements, and settle the official charges.
The Certificate of Occupancy is issued after approval by the Building Official. Do not move in, open the premises for use, or change its occupancy before receiving the required certificate.
Reminder: Keep the official receipt, approved building plans, and issued occupancy documents together for future reference.
View Official Citizen’s CharterOccupancy Permit Inspections & Common Delays
Understand what inspectors review, how to respond to deficiencies, and what to do if your Occupancy Permit has not been released.
What Does OCBO Inspect?
Inspectors check relevant parts of the completed structure against the approved building documents and applicable technical requirements.
- Line & Grade
- Architectural
- Structural
- Plumbing
- Mechanical
- Electrical
On inspection day: The owner or an authorized representative, such as an architect or engineer, must be present. Make the building accessible and have the approved plans available for checking.
What’s Holding Up Your Permit?
Start by finding out which requirement is still pending, then address that specific issue before following up.
Building Doesn’t Match Approved Plans
Ask your architect or engineer to identify the differences. Coordinate with OCBO on any required revised plans or corrective work before requesting clearance.
Inspection Deficiencies Found
Request the inspection findings, have the relevant professional correct the problems, and arrange a follow-up inspection if OCBO requires one.
Completion Documents Are Missing
Recheck the Certificate of Completion, approved permits and plans, owner identification, and four building-elevation photographs. Submit any missing records.
Fire Safety or Zoning Clearance Pending
Confirm the outstanding clearance with OCBO. Coordinate with BFP for fire safety certification or the city planning office for zoning-related requirements.
Still Waiting for Your Occupancy Permit?
Contact OCBO with the owner’s name, project address, application date, and any reference or receiving number. Ask whether the application is pending inspection, clearance, payment, final approval, or release.
If payment has already been made, keep the Order of Payment and Official Receipt available for verification.
Important: Do not occupy or use the building while the required Certificate of Occupancy is still pending. Approval must be officially issued by the Building Official.
Occupancy Permit FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about occupancy approval, building inspections, required documents, and moving into a completed property.
The Office of the City Building Official handles occupancy permits in Davao City.
Contact Official OCBO01 Is an Occupancy Permit different from a Building Permit?
Yes. A Building Permit authorizes the approved construction work. A Certificate of Occupancy authorizes the completed building to be used or occupied after the required checks and approval. One does not replace the other.
02 When should I apply for an Occupancy Permit?
Apply when the construction work is completed and the building is ready for final inspection. Prepare the completion documents, approved building records, and applicable safety clearances before requesting approval.
Do not occupy the building until the required Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.
03 What documents are usually needed for the application?
Common requirements include the application form, Certificate of Completion, approved Building Permit and plans, owner’s ID, photographs of the completed structure, and applicable safety documents.
Additional technical or authorization documents may be required depending on the project.
04 Is a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate required?
Yes, the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) is part of the occupancy approval requirements. It is issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection after applicable fire safety requirements are satisfied.
Follow OCBO and BFP instructions for inspection, processing, and submission of the certificate.
05 Can someone apply on behalf of the building owner?
Yes. An authorized representative can handle the application. OCBO may require an authorization letter, identification documents, and other supporting records confirming the representative’s authority to act for the owner.
06 What if the completed building differs from the approved plans?
Ask your licensed architect or engineer to review the differences. OCBO may require revised plans, additional documentation, corrective construction work, or another inspection before approval.
Do not assume unapproved changes will be accepted during the occupancy inspection.
07 Do I need new occupancy approval when changing a building’s use?
A change in the existing use or occupancy classification requires approval from the Building Official.
For example, converting a house into commercial premises may require a review of zoning, fire safety, and building compliance requirements. Contact OCBO before changing the property’s use.
08 What should I do if my Occupancy Permit is delayed or inspection fails?
Contact OCBO and ask which requirement is still pending. If inspectors identified deficiencies, work with the responsible professionals to correct them and request a follow-up inspection when instructed.
Keep your application reference, inspection findings, Order of Payment, and Official Receipt ready when following up.
Important: Every project is different. Occupancy approval depends on the completed building, approved construction records, inspections, and applicable clearances. Confirm project-specific requirements directly with OCBO.
Next Guide: Real Property Tax
Own a house, land, or commercial property in Davao City? Learn how real property tax works, when payments are due, which documents you need, and how to settle your property tax obligations.