Certificate of Occupancy - Final Inspections
Objective
Create an easy to reference checklist for obtaining a final Certificate of Occupancy.
Things to Consider
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Job type and location can have a large role in what items are needed to be complete prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. Job specifications and local jurisdiction should be referenced in addition to this checklist for additional uncommon items needed for CO.
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Additionally, this topic does not cover all progress inspections required to get to the point of final inspections. Progress inspections must be complete prior to calling for final inspections.
Prerequisites
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Creating Punchlists
3 Week Lookahead Schedules
Progress Inspections
Steps
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1. Verify all job specific and local jurisdiction requirements needed to obtain a CO.
2. As your job comes close to coming to inspections, update the 3 week schedule to include all inspection items.
3. Verify all progress inspections have been completed and are documented by the AHJ prior to calling for final inspections.
4. Verify that you are actually ready for a final inspection or will be by the time of the scheduled inspection. Call in advance to schedule final inspections as they are often done over multiple trips.
5. Site inspections
a. Engineering- Engineering will inspect items such as right of way work, detention pond sizing and other site requirements. Typical inspections include
i. Detention pond verification. Needs be surveyed and submitted by the civil engineer.
ii. Right of Way- street cuts, repairs, curb and other items related to work outside of the property line. Verify no bonds are required.
iii. Drive approaches should have been inspected by engineering during construction. Confirm conformance.
iv. Sidewalks and other paths are installed and meet AHJ and ADA requirements.
v. Site utility as-builts, camera work, or other requirements by AHJ has been completed. Confirm requirements prior to inspection.
b. Zoning- Zoning will typically inspect site items outside of Engineering’s scope to verify compliance with zoning regulations. This typically includes landscaping and signage requirements as well as ADA compliance.
i. Landscaping- all trees and bushes are per approved plans. Verify counts.
ii. Landscaping- soils stabilization must generally be at 70% (grass) to meet stabilization requirements. Generally landscaping can be incomplete for a temporary CO for weather conditions. Confirm requirements with AHJ including any bond costs associated with temp CO.
iii. Site lighting is complete. Verify AHJ requirements for documentation.
iv. Parking lot striping is complete including ADA striping and signage.
v. Site handrails and guardrails are in place in conform to regulations.
vi. Detectable walk pads are in place per site plan. Verify approved colors.
vii. Site and building signage is installed. Signage is generally permitted separately. Confirm permitting and signage requirements prior to final inspection.
viii. SWPPP controls have been removed from the site for final CO.
ix. All construction equipment and trailers have been removed from the site.
x. All roof screening is in place.
xi. Verify any other additional zoning requirements required for your project have been completed.
c. MEP- MEP inspections are generally required to pass prior to final building inspection.
i. Plumbing
i. All bacterial tests have passed and documentation has been sent to AHJ.
ii. All backflow preventers are in place with inspection tags.
iii. Verify hot water temperature requirements.
iv. Air gaps at floor sinks meet requirements.
v. Any fixture draining to a floor sink cannot overflow floor sink.
vi. Condensate drains are connected and draining to proper location.
ii. Mechanical
i. All dampers are installed and have inspection panels as needed.
ii. All exhaust fans are installed and working.
iii. CO/NOX system is installed and has been tested. Verify AHJ requirements.
iv. All labeling is complete. Verify requirements with AHJ.
v. Verify 3’ clearance in front of any electrical panel on mechanical equipment.
vi. Handrails for equipment withing 10’ of a roof edge with a fall hazard must be installed. Verify with AHJ.
vii. Roof screening is in place.
viii. All duct detectors are in place and connected to fire alarm system.
ix. Make up air units are installed and functioning as required. Verify with AHJ.
x. Perform test and balance and verify documentation has been submitted for projects that require as part of final inspection. Verify with AHJ.
iii. Electrical
i. Verify all labeling on equipment and breaker panel schedules are in place. Switchgear must be labeled with addressing.
ii. Verify GFCI devices work as intended.
iii. All cover plates are installed.
iv. Emergency lighting is in place. Verify battery operation.
v. Verify 3’ clearance to all removable panels on electrical devices.
vi. Verify any breaker locks are installed as required. Verify with AHJ.
vii. Verify generator operation and switchover requirements. Verify with AHJ.
d. Fire
i. Test fire alarm operation prior to final inspection.
a. Verify phone line operation.
b. Verify monitoring is in place and owner monitoring agreement has been executed.
c. Verify monitoring phone list and passwords.
d. Verify system addressing is correct for fully addressed systems.
e. Verify all duct detectors are operating accordingly.
f. Verify make-up air units are operating correctly.
g. Verify elevator is operating correctly.
h. Verify all doors on hold opens are closing correctly. They must latch.
ii. Place fire alarm on battery power 24 hours prior to inspection.
iii. Verify all smoke detector covers have been removed.
iv. Sprinkler contractor must be on site for fire alarm inspections.
v. For projects with Ansul systems, verify operation of Ansul system. Ansul contractor must be on site during fire alarm inspections. Verify location of emergency pull station.
vi. Verify Horn strobe and FDC signage at FDC.
vii. Have required keys for Knox box at time of inspection. Verify Knox box requirements with fire marshal.
viii. Verify address numbering is in place. Verify location with fire marshal prior to installation.
ix. Verify location and sizing of fire extinguishers and cabinets. Verify labeling and signage requirements with fire marshal.
x. Install required type K extinguishers and rated bins in kitchens.
xi. All required signage is in place. Verify roof access signage.
e. Elevator
i. Verify manufacturer checklist is complete. Including but not limited to the following.
i. Pit ladder installed at the proper location.
ii. Pit lighting installed.
iii. Sump pump and required backflow/oil alarm is installed.
iv. Smoke/heat detection is in place and functional.
v. Shaft firestopping is complete.
vi. Shunt trip or other breaker requirements are in place.
vii. Cab flooring is complete.
viii. All smoke or heat detectors in lobby or hall outside of elevator doors are in place and functioning.
ix. All elevator signage is in place.
x. Elevator equipment room conditioning is in place and operational.
xi. Elevator room is clean and contains no non-elevator related items.
xii. Elevator equipment door is self-closing and locking.
f. Health inspection- Required for restaurants or when food service will take place. NO FOOD IS ALLOWED PRIOR TO HEALTH INPSECTION.
i. Hot water requirements are met.
ii. Verify proper air gaps at floor sinks.
iii. All sinks are caulked to the wall.
iv. Verify cooler/freezer is operation and meets temperature requirements.
v. All areas are generally clean including floors.
vi. Sink guards are in place.
vii. Dishwashing chemicals are in place and functioning.
viii. All door thresholds are in place.
g. Final building inspection- Generally all other inspections must be in place prior to the final building inspection.
i. ADA requirements are in place. Handrails, cane guards, grab bars, plumbing wraps, etc.
ii. Signage is in place.
i. Braile
ii. Stairs
iii. Exits
iv. Restrooms/ADA
v. Roof access
vi. Fire Alarm Control Panel
vii. Sprinkler Room
viii. Address
ix. Maximum occupancy
x. Other. Verify with AHJ
iii. Self-closing doors must close and latch.
iv. Window stops are in place as required.
v. Emergency lighting and exits are functional. Verify battery operation.
vi. Panic devices are functioning correctly. Verify thumb turn locks with AHJ.
vii. Handrails. Verify extensions at landings.
viii. Fire-stopping
ix. Label required rated partitions. Verify with AHJ.
x. All paths of egress meet code requirements.
xi. Stairs should not exceed 7” rise with no more than 3/8” variation between risers on a stringer. Verify after final flooring.
xii. ADA tops shall be no more than 34” including sink rim.
xiii. ADA mirrors shall be no more than 40” from floor.
xiv. Verify ADA knee measurements at all ADA sinks
See Also
- As-Builts