Certificate of Occupancy
A document issued by local government confirming that a completed building or addition meets all code requirements and is safe to occupy.
A certificate of occupancy (CO) is the final official document in the permit process. After all inspections have been passed—structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire—the building department issues the CO to confirm that the structure is safe and compliant for its intended use. For new construction and major additions, a CO is required before anyone can legally occupy the space.
For renovations that do not add habitable square footage, the equivalent document is often called a "final inspection card" or "job card sign-off." Either way, it closes out the permit and provides legal proof that the work was done to code.
Mortgage lenders and title companies routinely check for open permits or missing COs during a home sale. An open permit or missing CO on an addition can prevent a sale from closing, so always ensure your contractor fully closes out every permit before final payment.
Real-World Example
The new 600-square-foot ADU could not be rented until the city issued a certificate of occupancy following the final inspection.