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Certificate of Occupancy in DC

Need a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in the Washington DC region? Here you can find out the requirements and process for obtaining C of O approvals quickly and easily.

Why a Certificate of Occupancy is needed in DC?

Before starting the process to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), it’s important to understand what it is and why you may need one. A C of O acts as proof that a building meets all local laws and building code regulations and that it is safe for occupancy. It must be submitted prior to occupancy or use of any type of property, or an inspection and compliance must be completed before occupancy can occur. Obtaining a C of O is an important step in renting or owning real estate in Washington DC, or any other jurisdiction requiring one. The Certificate of Occupancy is needed to ensure that the use of a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia conforms to the following regulations:-

In most cases, no person can use a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia for any purpose other than a single-family dwelling, until a valid Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

A Washington DC Certificate of Occupancy certifies that any building or structure in the District of Columbia is compliant with DC code. Any individual or entity that is using a building or structure in DC is required to have a Certificate of Occupancy. This rule does not apply to homeowners.

Types of Certificate of Occupancy in DC?

There are six types of Certificate of Occupancy applications as seen below:

  1. Ownership Change - If a Certificate of Occupancy is issued to a building, structure or land, and its ownership is changed, then a change of ownership application is required.
  2. Use Change
  3. Occupant Load Change
  4. Revision
  5. Temporary Occupancy
  6. New Building - If the building is new, there are following three Certificate of Occupancy subsets:
    • Conditional
    • Completion of core and shell
    • Establishment of a new occupancy

How to get Certificate of Occupancy in DC?

DCRA currently no longer accept in-person Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) applications (effective since Wednesday, February 26, 2020). Please apply online for a Change of Ownership Certificate of Occupancy application. For all other types of application, please email your Certificate of Occupancy Application and supporting documents to coapp@dc.gov.

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