Everything about Certificate of Occupancy in NYC

Everything you need to know about Certificate of Occupancy and what information you can find on it

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) in NYC typically contains detailed information about a building’s legal use, occupancy limits, and compliance with building codes and regulations. Here’s what it typically includes:

Legal Use:

Specifies the permitted use of the building, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use.

Occupancy Limits:

Defines the maximum occupancy load for each space within the building, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Construction Classification:

Describes the type of construction, such as fire-resistance ratings and structural materials used.

Building Uses per Story:

Lists individual uses for each building floor, specifying whether it’s residential, commercial, or other purposes.

Safety Compliance:

Confirms that the building meets all relevant building codes and safety regulations, ensuring it is safe for occupancy.

Date of Issuance:

Indicates when the CO was issued, providing a reference for the building’s compliance status at that time.

Expiration Date (if applicable):

For temporary certificates, it may include an expiration date, indicating when the building must meet all requirements for a permanent CO.

Zoning Information:

Provides details about zoning regulations and any special conditions or restrictions imposed on the property.

By containing such comprehensive information, a Certificate of Occupancy ensures that buildings in NYC are safe, compliant, and suitable for their intended use.

For more information about NYC Zoning, you can click here

When did NYC DOB start to Issue a Certificate of Occupancy for Buildings?

Before 1938 for any construction, alteration, and enlargement, a Certificate of Occupancy was not required New York City DOB didn’t issue any certificate of occupancy.

The issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (CO) in New York City began as part of the city’s building regulations and codes. While there isn’t a specific date mentioned in the provided DOB records, it can be inferred that the practice likely originated when formal building regulations such as the NYC Building Code 1938 were established in the city, which could date back to the early development of NYC’s infrastructure and urban planning that City Officials started to think more about safety requirements.

The New York City Department of Buildings, responsible for overseeing construction and building safety, enforces regulations related to certificates of occupancy. These regulations have evolved to adapt to the changing needs of the city and advancements in building technology and safety standards.

And even if you paid attention, recently after several accidents in NYC like building collapse, Several Explosions around the city or buildings going on fire, DOB gets tougher and tougher about safety codes and sometimes takes actions to make them harder, especially for major alterations like ALT-1 extension or new buildings.

As a critical component of ensuring buildings are safe for occupancy and comply with regulations, the issuance of COs has become a standard practice in NYC’s construction and real estate industries.

What is LNO and when do you need it?

LNO stands for Letter of No Objections, is the other official document in NYC DOB for Buildings completed prior to 1938 and don’t have a Certificate of Occupancy or have an old C of O which is not clear to understand and comply with new law and regulations. It may be issued by The Department of Building to say there is no objection to the new construction, continuation or change of the use and  for many other reasons such as:

Legal Use Verification:

An LNO confirms that the proposed or existing use of a building complies with NYC Building Codes and Zoning Resolutions, as well as occupancy load requirements.

No Violations:

It indicates that the building use aligns with regulations and doesn’t violate any occupancy rules, particularly relevant for older buildings that may not have a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Real Estate Transactions:

LNOs are important in real estate transactions as they assure the legal use of a property, especially if there is no CO available.

Essential Documentation:

It serves as a crucial document in NYC real estate transactions and building projects, providing clarity on the legal use of a building.

I-Card is another Building record in NYC

The HPD I-Card, or Improvement Card, is a historical document issued by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for buildings. Here’s a brief overview:

The HPD I-Card serves as a paper record that provides information about structural improvements required for buildings to meet the standards set by the HPD.

Also, these cards indicated what structural improvements were necessary for buildings to comply with the regulations of the HPD, which aimed to improve living conditions and safety in multifamily buildings.

The issuance of HPD I-Cards at that time helped ensure that multifamily buildings met the required standards for safety and habitability, as mandated by city regulations at the time.

HPD I-Cards provide valuable insights into the history of buildings and the regulatory framework governing their construction and maintenance.

In the case of Multifamily projects where you cannot find any certificate of occupancy on any DOB records, you need to check the HPD website for the recorded I-Card.

To check the Building I-Card

How to check the building Certificate of Occupancy in NYC.

As you know or are familiar with this fact, NYC DOB has two different portals that you need to check for any records regarding your applications and buildings.

DOB BIS

DOB BIS is a centralized database maintained by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), containing detailed information about buildings, construction projects, permits, violations, complaints, inspections, and property ownership.

It provides access to various stakeholders, including property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and the general public, to retrieve information about specific buildings or projects.

DOB BIS platform is accessible online, allowing users to access information and perform transactions remotely, which streamlines administrative processes and reduces paperwork.

DOB NOW

DOB NOW is the new centralized database portal by NYC DOB that has all the DOB BIS functionalities and many more things added to it to prevent in-person meetings in DOB offices.

DOB NOW vs DOB BIS

For any C of O that is issued before March 1, 2021, you need to check the Building Information System (BIS)

And for any C of O issued on or after March 1, 2021, you need to Check the DOB NOW system.