Certificate of Occupancy Services in NYC
BVS navigates the complex CO and TCO process end-to-end — coordinating inspections, sign-offs, and agency requirements to get your building certified for legal occupancy.
What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is an official document issued by the NYC Department of Buildings confirming that a building complies with all applicable building codes and is safe for its intended use. Without a valid CO, a property cannot be legally occupied, sold, or refinanced.
BVS specializes in obtaining, amending, and correcting Certificates of Occupancy for properties across all five boroughs.
Getting Your TCO or Final CO
Whether you need to occupy the building now or close out the project for good, BVS handles both paths — securing a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy so you can move in, lease, or close, and then driving the job all the way to a Final Certificate of Occupancy.
Getting a Temporary CO (TCO)
A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy grants conditional occupancy while final items are still being resolved — so you can move tenants in, close a sale, or open for business without waiting for every sign-off. TCOs expire (typically every 90 days) and must be renewed until the final CO is issued. BVS secures your initial TCO and keeps every renewal current so your occupancy never lapses.
Getting a Final CO
A Final Certificate of Occupancy is the permanent document confirming the building fully complies with the code and is legally occupiable for its intended use — required to sell, refinance, or formally close out a project. BVS clears the remaining violations, completes outstanding inspections, and secures every agency sign-off needed to move you from a TCO — or no CO at all — to final CO issuance.
Common Obstacles to Getting a CO
Open Violations
Any open DOB, FDNY, or ECB violation can block CO issuance. BVS works to clear building violations and close DOB violations as part of the CO process.
Incomplete Sign-Offs
Multiple city agencies must sign off on structural, fire protection, plumbing, electrical, and elevator systems.
Zoning Non-Compliance
The building's current use must match what's permitted under zoning. Discrepancies require variances or use amendments.
Outstanding Inspections
Final inspections for every permitted scope of work must be completed and approved.
Our CO Process
Audit
We review your building's full permit and violation history to identify every item blocking CO issuance.
Remediation
Open violations are resolved, missing inspections are scheduled, and incomplete applications are finalized.
Coordination
We manage sign-offs from DOB, FDNY, DOT, and all other relevant agencies simultaneously.
Issuance
Once all conditions are satisfied, we secure your Certificate of Occupancy and confirm it's properly recorded.
Public Assembly Certificates
Spaces intended for public gatherings — restaurants, event venues, houses of worship, and performance spaces — require a Public Assembly (PA) permit in addition to or in place of a standard CO. BVS manages the PA application process, coordinating FDNY inspections, DOB sign-offs, and occupancy load calculations to get your space certified for public use.
Why a CO Matters
Without a valid CO, property owners face legal exposure, insurance complications, and an inability to close real estate transactions. Banks and title companies require a current CO before funding any deal. BVS ensures your property's documentation is airtight.
Need a Certificate of Occupancy?
Contact BVS today for a comprehensive CO audit and a clear roadmap to issuance.