---
title: "Record what a certificate of occupancy states about use"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/planning-and-environment/record-what-an-erection-consent-authorises-once-the-building-is-erected/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A12-FL20261022-21-US"
practice_area: "Planning & Environment"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Record what a certificate of occupancy states about use

> From the certificate, copy the use and the occupancy it states. Record that the NYC page says a new building must have a certificate, and that an existing building must have a current or amended certificate when there…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/planning-and-environment/record-what-an-erection-consent-authorises-once-the-building-is-erected/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Planning & Environment](https://ailawframework.com/practice/planning-and-environment.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the certificate, copy the use and the occupancy it states. Record that the NYC page says a new building must have a certificate, and that an existing building must have a current or amended certificate when there is a change in use, egress, or type of occupancy. Record that no one may legally occupy a building until the department has issued a certificate or a temporary certificate. If the work is a minor alteration, record whether the file has a letter of completion instead. Do not decide that occupation can start. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer decides whether this certificate covers the use and whether occupation can start. The NYC Department of Buildings page says a certificate of occupancy states a legal use and the type of permitted occupancy. It says the department issues a final certificate when the completed work matches the submitted plans for a new building or a major alteration. A letter of completion may be issued for a minor alteration that does not require a new or amended certificate. A certificate has no expiration date. The Virginia regulation is a different rule about when a certificate must be obtained, and it is not applied here. The page does not say that approval of construction plans, by itself, authorises occupation. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Record what an erection consent authorises once the building is erected](https://ailawframework.com/practice/planning-and-environment/record-what-an-erection-consent-authorises-once-the-building-is-erected.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the certificate, copy the use and the occupancy it states. Record that the NYC page says a new building must have a certificate, and that an existing building must have a current or amended certificate when there is a change in use, egress, or type of occupancy. Record that no one may legally occupy a building until the department has issued a certificate or a temporary certificate. If the work is a minor alteration, record whether the file has a letter of completion instead. Do not decide that occupation can start.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- A temporary certificate of occupancy is named on the page. Its own page was not opened.
- This is New York City. Other cities differ.

## Sources

- [NYC Department of Buildings, certificate of occupancy](https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/property-or-business-owner/certificate-of-occupancy.page) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [13 VAC 5-63-160, certificates of occupancy](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title13/agency5/chapter63/section160/) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*