Certificate of Occupancy

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before legally occupying residential and commercial buildings.

A new CO is also required when there is a change in occupancy or a change in use from one occupancy classification to another.

All new tenants must obtain a new CO, even when no changes are being made to the existing tenant space layout.

Changes that may require a new CO include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in occupied square footage
• Changes to the floor plan
• Material storage changes
• Full or partial changes in business function (for example, Residential to Business or Business to Mercantile)

Minimum requirements for obtaining a CO include:

• Building final inspection
• Site final inspection
• Fire Marshal final inspection (commercial only)
• Planning and Zoning inspection, when required by approved zoning provisions
• Approved as-built drawings for new construction and building additions
• Approved maintenance agreements, when required
• Approved performance and/or maintenance bonds, when required

Certificate of Completion (CC)

A Certificate of Completion (CC) is required for all new additions and alterations to occupied residences where the home remained occupied during construction.

Minimum requirements for obtaining a CC include:

• Building final inspection
• Site final inspection
• Fire Marshal final inspection (commercial only)
• Planning and Zoning inspection, when required by approved zoning provisions
• Approved as-built drawings for new construction and building additions
• Approved maintenance agreements, when required

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)

In limited situations, the Building Official may issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) before all permitted work is complete, provided the occupied area can be safely used.

TCOs may be issued in 30-day increments. The fee is $200 per 30-day period.

Failure to obtain a CO before occupancy may result in citations issued to both the contractor and homeowner or tenant, a stop-work order, and possible eviction.

A TCO certifies that, at the time of issuance, the permitted construction was inspected for compliance with applicable building codes, or their intent, as adopted and enforced by the City.

Please contact City staff to request a TCO.