Bookmark & ShareWhen is a Certificate of Occupancy required?
A Certificate of Occupancy is required before any new building can be put into use, or before an existing building can be used for a new purpose (e.g., retail space converted to a school). MN SBC Section 1300.0220.
What types of Certificates of Occupancy are available?
PERMANENT - Issued for a new building or a portion of an existing building that has changed use.
This type of certificate is issued when all the work authorized by the construction permits is complete and all required inspections have been completed and approved.
Certificate of Occupancies are valid for the life of the structure if no changes are made.
TEMPORARY - May be issued to part of a building undergoing phased construction to allow occupancy while the construction continues.
The building must be safe for non-construction personnel to occupy while the construction proceeds.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancies have very specific limitations and always include an expiration time-frame.
Commercial Certificate of Occupancy Checklist (pdf)