What we handle
New, amended and temporary.
- New Certificates of Occupancy for new buildings and major alterations
- Amended Certificates of Occupancy when use, egress or occupancy changes
- Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO) and renewals while final items are completed
- Letters of Completion for work that doesn’t require a new or amended CO
- Certificates of Operation for places of public assembly
- Closeout items such as open applications and violations that block a CO
When you need one
Does your building need a CO?
- New buildings need a Certificate of Occupancy before anyone can legally occupy them.
- Existing buildings need a new or amended CO when there’s a change in use, egress or type of occupancy.
- Buildings from before 1938 generally don’t need one unless later work changed the use, egress or occupancy. A Letter of No Objection from DOB can confirm a legal use.
- A TCO allows occupancy while remaining issues are resolved. It typically lasts 90 days and can be renewed.
How it works
From final inspection to issued CO.
Closeout checklist
We review the job and list what DOB needs: final sign-offs, the final survey, the final Builders Pavement Plan, cost affidavits and an approved Schedule of Occupancy.
Clear the blockers
Open applications and violations have to be resolved. We work through them with your team.
Request the CO
We prepare and submit the Certificate of Occupancy request in DOB NOW, or a TCO if occupancy is needed sooner.
Answer DOB
We respond to review comments until the certificate is issued.
Questions
Frequently asked.
How do I find my building’s current Certificate of Occupancy?
COs are searchable by address in DOB’s systems: older ones in BIS and newer ones in DOB NOW. We can pull it and tell you whether it matches how the building is used today.
What’s the difference between a TCO and a final CO?
A TCO allows occupancy while some items are still open and typically expires after 90 days unless renewed. The final CO is issued once everything is resolved and doesn’t expire.
Why is my CO held up?
Common reasons are missing sign-offs, open applications, open violations or paperwork like the Schedule of Occupancy. We’ll find out which applies to you.
General information about New York City procedures, reviewed November 2026. Rules and penalties change, and every property is different, so this isn’t legal advice. Call us about your specific situation.