Check whether occupation can start without a certificate of occupancy
Key facts
- Human involvement
- YellowClose supervision
- How AI is used
- Record whether the next step is occupancy of a building or structure, or a change of occupancy. Copy, without deciding that an exception applies, any fact the file matches to an accessory structure, or to an addition to an existing Group R-5 building that already has a certificate. If a certificate is already in the file, copy the edition, the occupancy group, the construction type, and any special condition it states. Do not decide that occupation may begin.
- What the lawyer must review
- The lawyer applies 13 VAC 5-63-160. Before occupancy or a change of occupancy of a building or structure, a certificate of occupancy shall be obtained. The building official shall issue it within five working days after approval of the final inspection, when the building or portion is determined to comply with the code and any pertinent laws or ordinances, or when otherwise entitled. A certificate is not required for an accessory structure as defined in the IRC. A new certificate is not required for an addition to an existing Group R-5 building that already has one. A temporary certificate may be issued, on the permit holder request, for a portion that may be occupied safely before completion. The certificate states the code edition, the occupancy group, the construction type, whether a sprinkler system is provided and whether it was required, and any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit. The NYC page is a different city rule and is not applied here.
- Written for / version
- United States versionUS
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Potential support includes preparing preliminary structure or wording. Confirm the tool’s capability and permitted scope. |
| Lawyer | Set the scope, supervise the work closely, verify every part relied on, resolve omissions and exceptions, and approve the exact output. |
Checklist
- Confirm the output against the client’s instructions and the complete relevant source material, including omissions or contradictions.
- Resolve exceptions and record the responsible lawyer’s approval of the exact output and intended use.