Service Facts
Department:
People We Serve:
Programs & Initiatives:
City Services
Service
Share
Print
RSSRequest a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection (for 4 or more Dwelling Units)
The following are the Rules Regarding Certificates of Occupancy. A building must meet one of these criteria in order to be considered for a C of O. Please do not submit an application or inspection request for a C of O for buildings that do not require them. Oftentimes, the Department of Buildings C of O is confused with the Department of Zoning Certificate of Occupancy. See the Department of Zoning for more information.
In general, Occupancy Certificates may be required for the following types of buildings:
- Any new or substantially rehabbed multiple dwellings consisting of four (4) or more dwelling units.
- Newly constructed non-residential buildings over 4,000 square feet.
- Alternations or repairs of non-residential buildings exceeding $400,000 in estimated (material) cost.
- Work in existing buildings resulting in a change of occupancy, as "occupancies" are defined in Chapter 13-56 of the Chicago Building Code, "Classification of Buildings by Occupancy." See the code online for more information.
- Substantial work performed in a new or existing building of Institutional of Assembly use, as defined by the code.
Please Note: A C of O inspection may be requested at the underground, rough and final inspection stage.
If your project meets the above criteria for Certificate of Occupancy, click on the link below.
Department Main Office
Buildings
Copyright © 2010 - 2013 City of Chicago
