Construction & RenovationHomebuying Glossary
Certificate of Occupancy
Also known as CO
An official document confirming a building or addition is safe and legal to occupy.
In plain English
A certificate of occupancy is issued by the local building department after final inspections confirm new construction, an addition, or a major renovation meets all code requirements and is safe to use.
Why it matters
If you're buying a home with a recent addition or new construction, confirm a CO was actually issued before treating that space as fully legal and usable.
Where you'll run into it
Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover certificate of occupancy in context.
Related terms
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