Certificates of Occupancy

WHEN IS A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C/O) REQUIRED?

No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the Commissioner of Building has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A C/O?

All work done under all permits issued for the proposed project must be completed and inspected to the satisfaction of the Building Department, Fire Department and any other departments or agencies having jurisdiction for the project.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A C/O FOR AN EXISTING BUILDING?

Complete a Building Short Form and choose the Updated & Substitute CO type to initiate the process.  When the form is filled out and the necessary fee is paid, a Code Enforcement Officer will arrange to inspect the premises for compliance and issuance of the C/O.

WHAT DOES THE INSPECTION COST?

One & Two Family Residence $50.00Three Family & Over $80.00 + $10.00 per dwelling unit up to $200.00Commercial Building $100.00

WHAT IS THE COST FOR A C/O ON A NEW BUILDING OR ALTERATION?

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy $75.00One & Two Family CO's $75.00.Condominium $75/unit with minimum of $300.00Multi-Family Dwellings/Hotels $25/unit with minimum of $300.00

WHAT IF THE PROJECT CANNOT BE TOTALLY FINISHED IN TIME?

A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy can be issued provided all life safety and public health requirements have been installed, inspected, and cleared by all appropriate agencies.

WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE?

A Certificate of Compliance is issued for additions and alteration to buildings not normally requiring a Certificate of Occupancy. Examples would be decks, additions and alterations to buildings that do not change the use. A Certificate of Compliance should be obtained for all work under a Building Permit. It is the owners guarantee that the work was done properly and inspected by this Department.