Certificate of occupancy
In the United States, a certificate of occupancy (also known as a use-and-occupancy certificate) is a document issued by a local government agency or building department to confirm that a building is fit for human occupation.
The procedures involved in the certificates vary according to the jurisdiction and the type of building. The most common situations in which a certificate is required include:
- Construction of a new building or structure.
- Conversion of a building from one use to another.
- Change of ownership.
- Significant alteration to a building.
There are several reasons for obtaining a certificate of occupancy, including:
- To legally affirm that the building is in a habitable condition.
- To confirm that the building has been constructed and maintained in accordance with building codes and the specifications that were submitted to the local authority before construction began.
- To confirm the building’s classification of use.
- To enable the building to be sold legally.
The certificate will not be issued until all inspection requirements have been passed and any fines have been paid in full. Inspections often focus on ensuring that the building complies with fire safety codes, installation of services has been done correctly, and the building is structurally capable of withstanding likely seismic activity, and so on.
A temporary certificate of occupancy may be obtained which provides the same rights as an ordinary certificate but for a fixed period of time, which can vary from 30 to 90 days depending on the jurisdiction that issues it. Once it expires, the building owner can re-apply for another temporary certificate if required, for example, if the building is still undergoing construction work while part has been completed and is capable of being occupied.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Provisional findings show illegal cartels in the industry.
CIAT reporting from the Competition and Markets Authority.
Making sustainable construction number one priority.
The future of construction report.
Interview with ECA CEO.
Many provisions came into force on June 28, 2022.
With room to expand.
An information packed session at the BSRIA conference.
Refurbishment, Energy Efficiency, Indoor air and process.
Considering building acoustics with the AT Journal.
Why building acoustic considerations must be non-negotiable.
Create a profile, write informed product articles and share.
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) is one example.
Top 50 Women in engineering 2022.
Inventors and innovators at ICE.
Life, death and art at the Stuart court. Book review.
Real estate, place adaptation and innovation.
Review and comment on the revised draft before July 11.
We are indeed now 10 years old, so go on and be bold !
Write about something you know, help us build and grow !
IHBC's 25th anniversary 2022 Aberdeen School.
A blended event and triumphant return.
New Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair selected.
Mark Reynolds succeeds Andy Mitchell as Co-Chair of CLC
Designing Buildings is 10 years old.
Types of work to existing buildings.
From alteration to deconstruction on DB.
Publication available
Changes come into force for F,L,O and S.