Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy documents the legal use or occupancy of a building. Every building built after 1938 requires a Certificate of Occupancy. If you are a property owner, you must apply for a new Certificate of Occupancy if construction or alteration has changed your building's use, occupancy, or means of exit.

You must file an application for a Certificate of Occupancy with the Department of Buildings (DOB) to begin the inspection process before a new Certificate is issued. Download the Certificate of Occupancy fact sheet.

Letter of No Objection

DOB provides Letters of No Objection to confirm the legal use of a building constructed before 1938. To request a Letter of No Objection, go to the DOB Borough Office where your property is located.

Bring any property-related materials you have that demonstrate the longstanding use of the property. Examples of such materials include:

• Old property surveys
• Property deeds
• Water bills
• Tax assessments
• Photographs 

Before you visit a DOB Borough Office, research the construction records for the property by using the Buildings Information System (BIS).

Learn more about a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection.

Contact a DOB Borough Office for more information and assistance with a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection.