Certificate of Occupancy: Your Final Approval

Overview

The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is your official permission to occupy and live in your house. It's the finish line—the document that says your house meets code and is safe to live in. No CO means you legally cannot move in.

When This Step Happens

What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?

Definition

A Certificate of Occupancy is an official document issued by the local building department certifying that:

Without a CO:

The Final Inspection

Scheduling

Timing: After punch list is 100% complete How: Call or email building department Notice: 2-3 days advance notice usually required Duration: 1-3 hours depending on house size

What Inspector Checks

Final inspection covers EVERYTHING:

1. Safety Items (Most Critical)

2. Code Compliance

3. Systems Functional

4. Completeness

5. Energy Code Compliance

Common Final Inspection Failures

Top reasons final inspections fail:

  1. Missing smoke/CO detectors - Most common failure
  2. Guardrail spacing wrong - Spindles over 4" apart
  3. Handrail wrong height - Not 34-38" or not continuous
  4. GFCI missing - Required locations not protected
  5. Egress window issues - Too small or too high from floor
  6. Incomplete work - Punch list items not finished
  7. Grading issues - Drainage toward house, erosion problems
  8. Missing ventilation - Bathroom fans or kitchen hood
  9. Unpermitted changes - Built differently than plans
  10. Missing final paperwork - HVAC commissioning, energy docs

Passing Final Inspection

Be prepared:

During inspection:

If you pass:

If you fail:

Getting the Certificate

Process Varies by Jurisdiction

Option 1: Issued Same Day

Option 2: Admin Approval

Option 3: Online/Email

Check with your building department on their process

What the CO Includes

Typical information on CO:

Temporary vs Permanent CO

Temporary CO:

When issued:

Permanent CO:

Using Your CO

Who Needs It

Provide copy of CO to:

Keep It Safe

Important document:

If You're Denied a CO

Common Reasons

Significant deficiencies:

Steps to Resolve

1. Get detailed list of issues (in writing) 2. Prioritize by difficulty and cost 3. Fix all items 4. Request re-inspection 5. Pass and receive CO

Timeline Implications

Each failed inspection adds:

Why it matters:

Special Situations

Phased Completion

Some jurisdictions allow:

Requirements vary—check with building department

As-Built Plans

Some jurisdictions require:

When required:

Special Inspections

Some projects require additional approvals:

Verify early what's required beyond building inspector

Timeline from Final Inspection to CO

Typical timeline:

Day 1: Final inspection conducted Day 1-3: Inspector submits paperwork Day 2-4: Building department processes Day 3-5: CO issued

Expedited in some cases (same-day) if:

Delayed if:

Budget for CO Process

Costs typically included in original permit fees

Potential additional costs:

Most owner-builders: $0 additional (passed first time, no extras needed)

Quality Checkpoints

Before scheduling final inspection:

Safety Items:

Completeness:

Site:

Common Mistakes

1. Scheduling Too Early

Problem: Final inspection before truly ready Solution: Complete punch list first, then schedule

2. Missing Smoke Detectors

Problem: Forgot one required location, automatic fail Solution: Verify all required locations per code before inspection

3. Not Testing Items

Problem: Inspector finds non-functional item you didn't test Solution: Test everything the day before inspection

4. Unpermitted Changes

Problem: Built differently than approved plans Solution: Get changes approved via permit amendment before final

5. Moving In Before CO

Problem: Legally cannot occupy, insurance issues, fines Solution: Wait for CO even if house seems "done"

6. No Documentation

Problem: Can't prove compliance (HVAC sizing, energy code) Solution: Keep all specs, commissioning reports, energy calculations

What Comes Next

After receiving CO:

Typical gap between CO and move-in: Immediate to 1 week

Link to: Loan Conversion

Related Resources

Ready to move in? See our moving-in checklist for final preparation.

Need to convert your construction loan? Our loan conversion guide walks you through the process.