Learn what a certificate of occupancy is, and when one is required.
A certificate of occupancy is a document authorizing occupancy and use of a
building. When any new construction or modification of an existing structure
that requires a building permit has been completed, a final inspection of the
building is done. Upon approval of the inspection, the building inspector,
allowing the owner or tenant to take residence, will issue a certificate of
occupancy.
Here are some examples of when a certificate of occupancy needs to be issued
· When a residential newly constructed home has been completed and complies
with municipal building codes.
· When a restaurant expands occupancy.
· When a multi-family home is converted to a single family home.
· When an owner of a building has zoning of the premises changed. (Authorized
use of a piece of real estate for business purposes)
· Extensive remodeling projects which include changes to the plumbing,
electrical, heating and cooling.
Who is responsible for getting the certificate of occupancy?
Once the building plans are drawn up, the contractor will apply for a
building permit at the public works and building planning office located at your
local municipal building in which the property is located. Upon approval of the
plans, the building permit is issued. The fee for the permit is based on square
footage of the structure. Depending on the municipality, additional permits may
be needed for electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, however only one
certificate of occupancy will be issued. Inspectors from the municipal building
department come in stages to inspect the work that has been done and report the
approval back to the building department. Once all the work has been done and
construction completed, a final inspection is done of the premises. If the work
has been done correctly and there are no building code violations, a certificate
of occupancy will be issued to the contractor.
Is a certificate of occupancy always required before taking residence in the
home?
A certificate of occupancy is not required before residing in a newly
purchased home where no major alterations requiring a building permit have been
done. Under certain circumstances a partial certificate of occupancy may be
issued. Examples of unavoidable delays would be weather conditions or being
unable to meet a certain deadline. However, the property must be in a safe and
useable condition. The partial certificate is only a temporary one. Depending on
the type of work, the partial certificate may be valid for only 30 to 90 days to
allow the contractor enough time complete the work.
Does issuance of the certificate of occupancy always mean the residence is in
usable condition?
The certificate should not be issued if the property violates any building
codes, and is not in usable condition. However, some inspectors may authorize
issuance of the certificate of occupancy when the work has not been completed,
with the understanding that the contractor will finish the work. This is when
the property is very close to completion and is in useable condition and the
work needing to be completed is minor.
Can the certificate of occupancy be revoked?
The building official does have the authority to revoke a certificate of
occupancy when issued in error or when false or misleading information is given
in order to obtain occupancy of the premises.
You can find more information here: href="http://www.tradingideas4you.com/real-estate/real-estate-1/real-estate-1.html">http://www.tradingideas4you.com/real-estate/real-estate-1/real-estate-1.html