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Temporary Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) states a legal use and/or type of permitted occupancy of a building. New buildings must have a CO, and existing buildings must have a current or amended CO when there is a change in use, egress or type of occupancy. In some circumstances the Department may determine a property is safe to occupy, but there are outstanding issues that must be resolved before a final CO can be issued. In this case, a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is issued.

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Process

TCOs typically expire 90 days after issuance. If the outstanding issues for a final CO have not been completely resolved prior to the expiration date, the TCO may be renewed. If your property has a TCO, consult a PE/RA to determine what is needed to get a final CO.

TCO Requirements

  • Temporary or Final Construction inspection sign-off
  • Temporary or Final Plumbing inspection sign-off
  • Temporary or Final Electrical inspection sign-off
  • Temporary Elevator sign-off (if applicable)
  • $100 fee for TCO (unless fee is exempt)
  • An approved Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW: Build.
  • Inspection Sign Offs are listed on the Certificate of Occupancy request in DOB NOW: Build.
  • If the space is not occupied for more than 30 days a new TCO will be needed in order to re-occupy.

A Certificate of Occupancy Request is submitted in DOB NOW: Build for jobs in the Buildings Information System and jobs in the DOB NOW system. The request is reviewed by technical and operations staff and if all requirements are provided, a CO is issued.

Searching for the CO of a Property

Certificate of Occupancy Request before March 1, 2021

Use the Building Information Search in the Buildings Information System (BIS) to search by property address. From the Property Profile Page select View Certificates of Occupancy. If a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, it will be listed on this page and can be printed by selecting the hyperlinked pdf file.

Certificate of Occupancy Request on or after March 1, 2021

Use the Address search in DOB NOW to search by property address. From the top of the Property Profile Page select Certificate of Occupancy. If a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, a new window will open with the Certificate of Occupancy Details and Floor Use Records. Use the Print button on this window to print a copy of the CO.

Proof of the Legal Use of a Building Without a CO

Buildings built before 1938 aren’t required to have a Certificate of Occupancy – unless later alterations changed its use, egress or occupancy. If you require proof of the legal use of a building – and it’s exempt from the CO requirement – contact the Department’s borough office where the property is located to request a Letter of No Objection.

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