What is a Certificate of Occupancy and when is one required?
A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is a document that is required under the Building Code and authorizes the use and occupancy of any building or structure within the city. A C.O. is typically issued after the completion of a new building or structure, or addition thereto, or after the use of a building or structure is changed. The C.O. specifies, after the final inspection of the various (i.e. – structural, electrical or plumbing) components of the building, that the use and construction of the building is safe and can be occupied. The requirements for new construction and inspections are the responsibility of the Commissioner of Buildings and the Building Inspection Office staff located within the Bureau of Permits & Inspections. A C.O. can also be requested independently of any construction work occurring. This type of request is known as an H-CO permit and is also available in Room 110. Certain uses that permit group gatherings (i.e.: restaurants, nightclubs, churches or theatres) r
