Beyond the building
A completed building is not an operating facility. Operations typically need:
- Occupation-stage approval of the building.
- Fire certificate appropriate to the occupancy and stored materials.
- Pollution-control consent to operate, where the activity requires it.
- Sanctioned power load and connection in the occupier's name.
- Water source; HWRA permission if using groundwater.
- Registrations under labour law — the [four Labour Codes](/library/labour-codes-commencement-2025/) took effect on 21 November 2025.
- Licences for storage of petroleum, explosives, gases or hazardous chemicals where relevant.
- Estate-authority permission for the activity, where the plot is in an estate.
Plan backwards
Work back from the operating date. The slowest item usually sets the schedule.