What is the purpose of a certificate of occupancy?

The purpose of a certificate of occupancy is to indicate compliance with building codes. This certificate is issued by a local government agency once a building is completed and deemed safe for occupancy. It confirms that the structure meets all necessary safety, zoning, and building code regulations that are required before anyone can inhabit it. This is essential because it ensures that the building is not only safe for use but also compliant with the local laws designed to protect the health and safety of the public.

Assessing market value, providing tax information, and establishing a chain of title are different processes that do not relate to the compliance function of a certificate of occupancy. The certificate does not provide any valuation of the property, it is not a tax document, and it does not relate to the historical ownership of the property. Thus, the correct function of a certificate of occupancy lies solely in confirming that a new or remodeled building can be legally occupied.