Obtaining Certificate of Occupancy in NYC

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) confirms that a building complies with all applicable NYC codes and is safe for occupancy. The CO is issued by the Department of Buildings. We help property owners navigate filings, inspections, and violation clearance to obtain a CO efficiently.

What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy is an official DOB document certifying that a building or space meets building code, zoning, and safety requirements for its intended use. A valid CO is required for legal occupancy and is often needed for sales, refinancing, and new tenant move-ins.

When You Need a Certificate of Occupancy

• New building construction is completed
• Change of use or occupancy classification
• Major alterations or renovations affecting occupancy
• Converting or legalizing an illegal apartment or basement
• Closing on a property sale or obtaining financing

Steps to Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

• Determine the need for a CO: Confirm whether your project requires a new CO, amended CO, or temporary CO based on scope of work.
• Contact DOB: Review borough-specific requirements and filing procedures through DOB NOW or your local DOB office.
• Submit the application: File the CO application with architectural plans, construction documents, and required supporting forms.
• Pay fees: Submit required DOB application and inspection fees based on project type and size.
• Plan review: DOB reviews submitted plans for code and zoning compliance; revisions may be required.
• Pass inspections: Schedule and pass structural, fire safety, plumbing, electrical, and other required inspections.
• Resolve violations: Clear any open DOB, ECB, or HPD violations on the property before CO issuance.
• Final approval: DOB grants final approval once all inspections pass and outstanding issues are resolved.
• CO issuance: DOB issues the Certificate of Occupancy certifying legal and safe occupancy.
• Display the CO: Post the CO prominently near the main entrance as required by law.

How We Help

• CO application filing: We prepare and submit CO applications through DOB NOW.
• Violation clearance: We resolve open violations blocking CO approval.
• Permit coordination: We ensure all related construction and trade permits are closed out properly.
• Inspection scheduling: We coordinate required DOB inspections through final sign-off.
• Amended & temporary CO: We assist with amended COs and temporary COs for partial occupancy when applicable.

Related Services

• Construction Permit — alteration and new building permits
• Letter of No Objection — LNO filings with DOB
• File Certificate of Correction — same-day DOB filing
• ECB / DOB Violations — violation dismissal and resolution
• Plumbing Permit — plumbing permit applications
• Contact Us — speak with a licensed NYC building expeditor