How Long Does It Take To Get Certificate Of Occupancy

It's common knowledge that all residential buildings in New York City need a certificate of occupancy (also chosen "C of O" or just "CO"), which states how a residence is used, for example how many bedrooms or how many exits there are. But many owners don't realize that making changes to the layout or apply of an apartment or house can outcome in the need for a new C of O.

What happens if you ignore this step and don't get a new C of O from the city's Department of Buildings? It'south a problem when you get to sell, because if your property lacks the correct certificate of occupancy, the burden to gear up the problem is on you as the owner/seller—as any lawyer will advise a buyer. And potential buyers may get nervous—and walk away if they think the situation is besides complicated and volition take too long to correct.

Hither are some of the renovations that can trigger the demand for a new certificate of occupancy:

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Presented by

• Subdividing an apartment
• Converting a space previously designated for laundry or storage to increase the number of units
• Changing the use of a commercial space, such as from a retail store to a eating place
• Modifying the layout of stairs, corridors, lobbies, and fire escapes that would affect exits

Combining apartments may not require a new certificate of occupancy

If you're outgrowing your NYC flat, one way to nab more space might be to combine with the apartment next door or upstairs—if, that is, your building allows it and you've got the coin and patience to withstand such a complex renovation projection.

Under certain circumstances, you might not demand a new C of O if you're combining apartments, according to the DOB. You may be able to file an Amending Type II awarding, a let for "multiple types of work, non affecting use, egress, or occupancy." Some restrictions exercise apply, though.

For instance, apartment combinations are allowed without a new certificate of occupancy if they're on the same floor or next floors using interior access stairs that connect no more than two stories and results in an equal or lower number of zoning rooms, the DOB says.

Others include:

• Keeping natural light and air requirements compliant in each new habitable room
• Non altering egress from any floor of the building, such equally stairs, corridors, passageways, burn down escapes, or lobby
• Eliminating the second kitchen and capping plumbing connections—unless they'll be used for, say, a washer, bar sink, or new bath.
• If the units are condos, you lot must obtain a new tentative tax lot number from the Section of Finance for the newly created unit prior to filing your awarding with the DOB

How to request a new certificate of occupancy

In guild to become a new C of O, you lot must hire a registered builder or professional engineer to provide plans to the DOB for review. Once approved, a licensed contractor can obtain the necessary permits and begin work.

Once the piece of work is washed, the allow holder requests a DOB inspection to brand sure work kept to the approved plans and meets code requirements. If the work clears inspection, owners tin request a new or amended C of O, and requests are "more often than not candy within 24 to 48 hours," a DOB spokesperson says.

The temporary document of occupancy

If your building is still under structure, merely some units are finished and the DOB finds them condom for occupancy, information technology may issue a TCO. The TCO is typically issued for 90 days, and must be renewed for legal occupancy to continue. There are no limits to how many times a TCO can exist renewed as construction continues.

NYC flat buildings built earlier 1938

Buildings constructed before 1938 are not required to accept a CO. Should you demand proof of legal use in one of these exempt buildings, the DOB says to contact the borough office where the property is located to request a Letter of No Objection.