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Certificate of Occupancy Information
The purpose of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is to ensure that the use of a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia is consistent with the Zoning Regulations, and that the provisions of the DC Building Code are followed. Generally, no person can use a structure or land in the District of Columbia for any purpose until a valid C of O has been issued for that structure. To apply for a C of O please complete the Certificate of Occupancy Application*.
Please Note: Applications then must be submitted in person at DCRA’s Permit Center located at 941 North Capital Street, NE, Room 2300 on the second floor. DCRA does not accept applications and payments that are mailed, and these submittals will be returned.
You must submit an application for a new C of O for the following list of changes:
Change in Ownership
If you are changing ownership of the property or business, with no change in use and no new construction, you will need to submit a C of O application. The initial application fee is $33. In most instances, an inspection will be scheduled for rental units in the R-1 to R-5A zoning districts, and for eating establishments. After the application has been reviewed and the C of O is ready for pick up, you will be called. An additional fee of $42 or more (depending upon the size of the project) will be required.
New Construction, Change of Use, or Change of Occupancy Load
If a new building or an addition is constructed, or if there is a change of use or a building load change of an existing building, a building permit application* with plans is usually required showing the proposed new construction and/or the existing building. A building permit will be issued if all code requirements are met. Following completion of the construction, and submittal of the pre-occupancy data sheet* call (202) 442-9557 to request an inspection. You may then complete and submit the C of O application* The initial application fee is $33. After the application has been reviewed and if all requirements are met, the C of O can be issued and we will call you. An additional fee of $42 (or more, depending upon the size of the project) will be required. If you are starting a business in a building or on a property that already has a Certificate of Occupancy, please complete the Certificate of Occupancy Authorization Form*. A Certificate of Occupancy is not required when:
• "Office" use is the main function in a commercial building that already has a certificate of occupancy identifying the main use of that area of the building as office use. • You are occupying a single family residence. If you are conducting an accessory business out of your home, then a Home Occupation Permit is required instead of a C of O under the zoning regulations. • You are a tenant in a separate apartment or bachelor apartment in an apartment building if a C of O is already issued for the entire structure.
Note: All C of O’s shall be conspicuously posted in or upon the premises to which they apply so that they may be seen readily by anyone entering the premises. Places of worship are exempt from this rule, but must show their C of O upon request. If a use is proposed that does not meet the zoning requirements for a particular location, an application for a special exception or variance may be filed with the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Information regarding the zoning and acceptable uses for any location in the District of Columbia is available on the Internet at www.dcoz.dc.gov, or by calling the Office of Zoning at (202) 727-6311. If you have any problems or questions relating to the Certificate of Occupancy or the application, please contact the Office of Zoning Administrator at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory affairs at (202) 442-4576. | 
