Certificate of Occupancy: What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is a document required by the building code to operate a commercial business within the City of DeSoto. When a commercial structure is in compliance with all building, fire and health codes and the proposed business use is allowed by the zoning regulations, the building official is authorized to sign and issue a Certificate of Occupancy. Certificate of Occupancy applications are available on-line. The Certificate of Occupancy must be posted in a prominent place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the building official. A new Certificate of Occupancy is required when ownership changes or a new business occupies the premises.
