What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

 

A Certificate of Occupancy is a legal document issued by your local municipality. The Certificate of Occupancy certifies that a structure is in substantial compliance with the currently adopted Municipal Code, local and national building codes and all zoning ordinances.

 

 

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued for all new construction, change in use or occupancy of an existing building/space, or any additions to existing commercial buildings. Fire-damaged properties also require full inspections and permits but will not be issued a certificate of occupancy once repairs are made.

 

If you are obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy through the new construction process, (securing a current building permit)

you will need to obtain all required inspections and approvals. If the project requires separate permits for heating, electrical, plumbing, sidewalks, or right-of-way obstructions, etc., you are also required to have all required inspections/approvals and meet all planning and zoning requirements.