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What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
The Certificate of Occupancy is a document that provides authorization from the local government for a building to be used as a public edifice or as a private residence. The purpose of the certificate is to provide verification that the building is in full compliance with current building codes, and is safe for occupancy.
This type of certificate is issued whenever a new building is constructed within the city limits of the local government. In some cases, a building that is constructed in an outlying area of a county or parish may also require a Certificate of Occupancy before the facility can actually be occupied or otherwise utilized by people. Inspections are conducted to ensure that the basic construction, wiring, plumbing, and other elements of the building are up to code, and can be certified as being safe for occupation.
When additions or construction upgrades to existing buildings are made, the building owner is often required to obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy from the local government once the changes are complete. As with new buildings, each aspect of the edifice will be inspected to ensure that all elements meet local specifications. Once the inspection is complete and the building department or inspection unit signs off on the building, the certificate will be issued.
When professionals are used to build the new edifice or make changes to existing buildings, it is usually the function of the renovator to notify the local government that the property is ready for inspection, and make arrangements for the issuance of the certificate. Once the builder has the document in hand, copies are delivered to the owner, as well as kept in the files of the construction company. Lenders may also obtain copies of the certificates, in the event that the property is presented as collateral on a loan application. Many lenders will not approve the extension of the loan without receiving a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![A Certificate of Occupancy is required before new construction can be occupied.]()
By: SuperingoA Certificate of Occupancy is required before new construction can be occupied. -
![The Certificate of Occupancy will be given after many inspections are completed.]()
By: auremarThe Certificate of Occupancy will be given after many inspections are completed. -
![Copies will be given to the owner and kept on file with the construction company.]()
By: miketCopies will be given to the owner and kept on file with the construction company. -
![Certificate of Occupancy.]()
By: Ted Van PeltCertificate of Occupancy.
Discussion Comments
i rent a space for this commercial building. do i really need to get the certification of occupancy myself or should the building provide it to me? thanks guys! -vincent
I just bought a 30 year old restaurant in Northridge, Ca. 91325) with a full liquor license. I just found out during all this time the restaurant had no Conditional User Permit, but a Certificate of Occupancy. Is this for real or someone made a mistake at Building and Safety office? According to an online search, first comes the CUP and then the issue the Certificate of Occupancy.
Please let me know what is going on. Thanks, Jenny
I just moved a building onto my property. The building is in my name and on my land and my fire and liability insurance that is on the building. Do I need a certificate of occupancy to have a family picnic in this building?
How long is a certificate of occupancy good for in a consignment shop?
Where do you obtain a certificate of occupancy?
I just purchased a home 1/1/2010 and I have the purchaser's agreement. What I need to find out now is where do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from? Please advise. Thank you.
Is it possible to apply for a certificate of occupancy? I put an offer on a house this morning and we just discovered there isn't one.
I bought a three-family house seven years ago with each units having three bedrooms. But,I never received the certificate of occupancy. I now have requested the certificate of occupancy and there is a discrepancy. the department of building has the units as two bedrooms. What are the steps I need to take?
Who schedules the final inspection? The bank or the builder? Thanks!
How can I find out if the trailer I live in has a certificate of occupancy? What can I do if it doesn't?
Hi, can the home owner get a temporary occupancy permit?
Hi, I am buying an reo home. An reo home should have certificate of occupancy, right? And if this is the case, where do I get a copy?
Was the purchase of our house legal if there was no certificate of occupancy given? It has taken almost a year to get a copy and it was made out 8 days after the sale. Only one inspection is signed off on the Building permit and all we get from officials in stonewalling.
Can you move furniture into a home under construction without a certificate of occupancy?
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