Information

• What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
• Who needs a Certificate of Occupancy?
• Why do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?
• Use Our Pre Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Program (Building Code           Compliance Report) to avoid unexpected costs.
• Steps to Acquire a Certificate of Occupancy?
• What is the Cost of a Certificate of Occupancy?
• What do we look for during a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection?

Q: What is a Certificate of Occupancy?                                                          back to top

A: A Certificate of Occupancy (or CofO), is a certificate issued by the Building Department, which allows occupancy or use of a building or structure or portion thereof.

Q:  Who needs a Certificate of Occupancy?                                                    back to top

A:  All businesses operating within Huntington Beach city limits, regardless if you are planning to occupy an existing building or build new construction.

Q:  Why do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?                                               back to top

A:   It protects YOU the business owner.  All buildings are built to state code specification.  We inspect your building pursuant to those codes to ensure your safety, the safety of your employees and the safety of those who visit your facility. 

Q:  Use Our Pre Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Program (Building Code           Compliance Report) to avoid unexpected costs.                                             back to top

A:  Applying for a Building Code Compliance Report is a proactive approach to identify and correct any possible deficiencies before a new owner or tenant is involved.  Cost for this service coincides with the Certificate of Occupancy fees (based on the type of occupancy) as shown in the Fee Schedule. This process eliminates unexpected costs for code corrections.

      We will research the approved plans and permit history for a specific address, perform   an inspection and give the applicant a detailed report on the inspection findings.  By using          this process it can be determined if significant alterations have occurred without permits.            Examples of common problems are:

1. Non permitted mezzanines in manufacturing or warehouses
2. Non permitted tenant improvement work within buildings (addition of additional office space)
3. Expired building and/or associated permits where the work was installed
4. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work that requires permits and listings.
5. Exiting out of buildings per occupancy classification.
6. Adjacent buildings or units use and/or occupancy type.
7. Non-permitted electrical changes to the service or sub-panels and distribution.
8. Changes in Occupancy Classifications

Q: Steps to Acquire a Certificate of Occupancy?                                             back to top

Q:  What is the Cost of a Certificate of Occupancy?                                        back to top

A: Fees are based on the Occupancy Type.  Please see the attached Fee Schedule. There is no additional cost for a Certificate of Occupancy which is part of currently permitted construction at the same location, however, if a temporary Certificate of Occupancy should be needed prior to full completion of construction, approval must be obtained from the Inspection Manager and a fee must be paid prior to the issuance of temporary Certificate of Occupancy.  

Q: What do we look for during a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection?          back to top

A: A Certificate of Occupancy inspection is required for all new businesses and for tenant improvements to existing buildings. For more specific information see Certificate of Occupancy Inspections.

Forms

• Certificate of Occupancy Application
• Business License Application
• Building Code Compliance Report