Turning a retail space into a restaurant? Converting a warehouse to offices? You're likely dealing with a change of use and the Certificate of Occupancy process. Here are the basics.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
The CO states a building's legal use and occupancy. When you change how a space is used, the CO usually has to be updated to match.
When change of use is triggered
Whenever the actual use differs from what the CO allows — retail to food service, residential to commercial, or a change in occupancy classification — expect a change-of-use filing.
What it involves
- Confirming the existing legal use
- Filing plans for the new use
- Meeting egress, accessibility and code requirements
- Possibly a Place of Assembly permit for larger occupancies
- Inspections and an updated CO
Plan ahead
Change of use is one of the most underestimated parts of a commercial project. Build the timeline in early — or have us map it for you.