1. Agent Authorization Form. An "agent” is encompasses anyone acting or submitting the application in place of the true owner or tenant. The owner or tenant must complete letter by and signed it in a notary’s presence: Certificate of Occupancy Authorization Form.

2. A signed lease, sublease, deed, management agreement, or letter of permission from the property owner is required to use the property. Please note: HUD documents are no longer accepted.

•  Management companies submitting applications must also provide a copy of the management agreement to be included on the C of O.

• Applicants subleasing must present both the original lease and sub-lease agreements, for DOB must ensure the agreement ties back to the original owner. Alternatively, a signed letter from the property owner on company letterhead may suffice to authorize the applicant to obtain a C of O of for business transfer purposes.

3. Previous C of O copies, which will allow you to note any specific details about the space in your application. Get copies in eRecords.
4. Tenant Inspection Form
5. Green review requirements will vary based on the project's designation. For Enterprise Green Communities projects, preapproval from enterprise and financial security for Green Building Act compliance are necessary. This includes providing binding pledges, bonds, escrows, cash, or other forms of financial assurance.

In addition to the steps above:

1. Building plat depicting all existing and proposed structures.
2. Evacuation plan (floorplans and/or site plans, as applicable) showing the proposed areas to be occupied/used, how the unoccupied areas will be isolated and secured from the occupied areas, and egress.
3. Structural plan drawings and details for tents and other structures (tie down and other support element details);  drawings must be sealed and signed by a DC-licensed design professional.
4. A letter from the property owner stating why a TCO is needed, identifying the floor number, unit number, number of units, and/or areas to be included (e.g., number of parking spaces).

For new construction, including alteration and repair:

1.  Approved wall check
2.  If the property is subject to a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) and Zoning Commission Order: A letter from the property owner with a matrix and documentation, as necessary, to demonstrate compliance with the  order's conditions.
3. Note if any outstanding conditions are not completed at the time of the application submission and provide a timeline with the completion date
4.  Signed GAR Landscape Checklist
5.  Final Approval Notice (FAN) from the Department of Energy and Environment
6.  Receipt of final payment of Housing Trust Fund contribution
7.  Recorded Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) covenant

For Eating Establishments (e.g., fast food restaurant; prepared food shop; and restaurant):

• Completed Eating Establishment Questionnaire
•  Menu

For Automobile Sales:

• DC Surveyor’s Plat showing any existing and proposed buildings and the location of the automobiles to be sold
• Completed Auto Dealer Questionnaire

For Operating a Mobile Cart on Private Property:

• · Submit the following information for review and approval by the Office of Zoning Administration and the Structural Division of the Permitting Division:
  •  
  • An authorized letter from the property owner allowing the cart/vehicle on the property
  • A scaled site plan or Surveyor’s Plat clearly identifying the location of all structures on the property, all required parking spaces, and the proposed mobile/vehicle cart. All structures and parking spaces should be clearly dimensioned and labeled. No required off-street parking spaces may be occupied.

For Core and Shell Applications

• Submit proof of final elevator inspections

For Conditional Certificate of Occupancy (CCO) Applications

• Letter from third-party inspection agency (if they performed the inspections) identifying all conditions, areas to be occupied, a list of deficiencies, and a recommended duration.
• Letter from the property owner explaining the basis for the CCO request and a requested duration.
• Fire evacuation plan to show separation between occupied and non-occupied spaces.

For Structural/Fire Plan Review (new construction, alteration/repairs)

• Copy of approved building permit and/or copy of existing C of O.
• If in Floodplain, Certificate of Flood Design Elevation approved by Flood Plan Administrator.

For Change of Use or Occupancy Classification

• Copy of latest prior C of O.
• Building permit to allow the change of occupant classification based on existing building code requirements.

For Ownership Change

• No structural/fire review is required if the application is for ownership change only.
• If ownership change is accompanied by alteration and repair or change of occupancy classification – the requirements for change of occupancy classification and/or new construction apply.
• In the Detailed Description box, it is highly important to clearly indicate where the scope is for “Ownership change with alteration” or “Ownership change with no new work.”

For Load Change

• Prior and latest approved C of O
• Approved building permit to allow the load change.

Inspection Checklists

DOB has prepared two checklists to help customers prepare for C of O inspections:

• Projects With Building Permits Checklist
• Projects Without Building Permits Checklist

1. Ownership Change: When property or business ownership transitions between current or new tenants, owners, or proprietors. It does not involve changing the property's size/sq footage/load or how it is used; it is mainly about updating ownership details without the use of a building permit.
2. Use Change: The alteration of the intended purpose of a property or space. It occurs when a property transitions from one designated use to another, such as converting residential areas into commercial spaces or transforming retail areas into offices.
3. Occupant Load Change: Adjusting the capacity of a building or space to accommodate varying numbers of people or amounts of weight safely. This modification occurs during renovations or when repurposing a building for different uses, necessitating changes to its occupancy limits or weight capacities.
4. Revision: A revision to a C of O typically involves making changes or updates to the information within the certificate after its initial issuance. This could include updating details related to the property or its use, or reflecting changes in ownership or occupancy status. Revisions to a C of O are often necessary to ensure that the document remains current and accurately reflects the conditions of the property or premises it covers.
5. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is a short-term permit that gives temporary permission to use the space while the final work is completed, with certain conditions or deadlines to meet. This can also be granted to pop-up shops, farmer's markets, or seasonal or outdoor events.
6. New Building
   • Conditional: A (CCO is given when a property meets many full C of O requirements but still has some other specific conditions to meet, such as finishing construction, addressing safety issues, or getting more permits. With a CCO, parts of the building can be used where conditions are met, while the rest is fixed. Once all conditions are fulfilled, the CCO becomes a permanent C of O.
   • Completion of core and shell: A Core and Shell C of O is issued for buildings where only the core and shell construction are complete, meaning the basic structure, exterior walls, and utility systems are finished, but interior spaces and tenant improvements are not yet finalized. This type of C of O allows tenants to begin their interior buildouts or fit-outs while ensuring that the core building systems are operational and safe. Once the interior spaces are completed according to local regulations and codes, tenants can obtain additional C of O approvals for their specific occupancy.
   • New permanent occupancy: A permanent C of O is granted when a building is finished according to building codes and regulations. It confirms that the property is safe for use and meets all required standards. Unlike the temporary or conditional C of Os, a permanent C of O has no remaining issues or restrictions, allowing full and unrestricted use of the building.