What is a Certificate of Occupancy?​

What is a Certificate of Occupancy?​

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) in US real estate is a legal document issued by a local government authority, such as a building or zoning department. It certifies that a property, whether it's a residential home, commercial building, or other structure, meets all local building codes, safety regulations, and zoning requirements.

Before giving a CO, authorities check the building during construction to make sure it follows codes for things like structure, electricity, plumbing, fire safety, and accessibility.

Getting a Certificate of Occupancy is often required before you can use a building for its purpose, like opening a business, renting out homes, or moving in. It's an important document to make sure buildings meet the safety and quality standards set by local authorities in the United States, keeping people safe and healthy.

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