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Certificate of Occupancy

When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?

A Certificate of Occupancy is required before any new building can be occupied, or before an existing building can be used for a new purpose (for example, retail space converted to a school). MN SBC Section 1300.0220.

What types of Certificates of Occupancy are available?

Total Certificate of Occupancy

Issued for a new building or a portion of an existing building that has changed use. This type of certificate is issued when all of the requirements for the occupancy are completed, and it does not have an expiration date. All or various permits may still be open, as all of the construction may not yet be completed.

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy

Issued to part of a building to allow occupancy while the construction continues. (The designated part of the building must be safe for non-construction personnel to occupy while the construction proceeds.) There is a $177.50 fee for this type of certificate, and the fee must be paid when making the inspection appointment. Single family dwellings are not eligible for this type of certificate.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy?

1. Complete all necessary code work.
2. Call (612) 673-2327. The contractor or owner (or their representative) must set an appointment for the certificate of occupancy inspection.
3. You should call 15 business days before the day you want the inspection and at least 20 business days before the date you wish to occupy the site. The construction Inspections Section will notify all inspectors and the Fire Department of this appointment.
4. Meet the inspectors at the site. Bring the approved drawings to the inspection. Each inspector will provide the contractor or owner with information if items that must be corrected before s/he can approve the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
5. Twenty-four hours after the inspection, the contractor may call (612) 673-2327 to determine the status of inspections.
6. After all of the inspectors approve the issuance of the certificate, the Building Official signs and issues the certificate to the owner (or his/her representative).
7. If a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the contractor or owner must still apply for the Total Certificate of Occupancy prior to the expiration date on the temporary certificate.