Basics of the Certificate of Occupancy
SIX IMPORTANT BASICS
1. The C of O is a very essential document.
This document usually serves three purposes:
A. What the Structure Is Used For:
The certificate of occupancy describes what class the property is in.
B. That the Structure Is Suitable for Occupancy:
A certificate of occupancy serves as proof that a property has complied with all standards and codes and is now fit for occupancy.
C. That the Structure Complies With All Building Codes:
Obtaining a certificate of occupancy will serve as proof that the building has conformed to all housing and building codes.
2. Who Needs a Certificate of Occupancy?
Some common reasons for needing a certificate of occupancy are:
- New Construction- Newly constructed buildings need to apply for a certificate of occupancy.
- Property Conversion- When a property is changing from one use to another, for example a garage conversion to accessory dwelling unit or ADU, a certificate of occupancy is usually required.
- Change of Ownership- When a multi-family property, industrial property, or other commercial space changes ownership.
3. Where Do You Get a Certificate of Occupancy?
A certificate of occupancy can be obtained through the town or county's building department or department of housing. The request has to be made before any work is actually done. A certificate of occupancy will not be issued, however, until the property has passed all inspection requirements and any fines on the property have been paid.
4. How Do You Obtain a Certificate?
In order to obtain a certificate of occupancy, your property must pass all inspections. These inspections may include a plumbing inspection, an electrical inspection, a fire safety inspection, and a general building inspection. Professional inspectors are employed by local governments or agencies approved to issue a C of O.
5. What If You Do Not Pass Inspection
If your property does not pass the inspection, you will be given a list of items that need to be corrected so that your property will conform with all building and safety codes.
We guarantee to pass inspections.
6. What Happens if You Don’t Get One?
Local laws require you to get a certificate of occupancy for the type of property you have or for the work you are doing. You could be fined or even sued by the City. This fine could accrue for each day you had the property but did not have the certificate of occupancy.
We guarantee a Certificate of Occupancy at the end of our project.
Cities Served
Pasadena, CA
South Pasadena, CA
Altadena, CA
Monrovia, CA
Sierra Madre, CA
San Marino, CA
Alhambra, CA
Walnut, CA
San Gabriel, CA
Highland Park, CA
Eagle Rock, CA
La Canada-Flintridge, CA
Arcadia, CA
Culver City, CA
Hollywood, CA
Beverly Hills, CA
Los Angeles, CA
West Los Angeles, CA
San Fernando, CA
Burbank, CA
Glendale, CA
Diamond Bar, CA
El Segundo, CA
Manhattan Beach, CA
Hermosa Beach, CA
Redondo Beach, CA
Signal Hill, CA
Long Beach, CA
Torrance, CA
Santa Monica, CA
West Los Angeles, CA
Studio City, CA
Sherman Oaks, CA
Toluca Lake, CA
Valley Glen, CA
Valley Village, CA
Van Nuys, CA
Encino, CA
Tarzana. CA
Woodland Hills, CA
We are not Architects, We are a construction company. But we manage your ADU construction from start to finish. But we help you plan and design your plan according to the city requirements. Our pre-existing relationship with architects and the city building and safety will help expedite your permit approval.