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1. What is a Certificate of occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy is the Building Departments permission to occupy or use structures and land for a specific purpose or purposes.

2. When do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?

R110.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. Conformance is required to all applicable specialized codes and when applicable, 310 CMR 7.00: Air Pollution, 310 CMR 15.00: The State Environmental Code, Title 5: Standard Requirements for the Siting, Construction, Inspection, Upgrade and Expansion of On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems and for the Transport and Disposal of Septage, 310 CMR 22.00: Drinking Water or 310 CMR 30.000: Hazardous Waste, prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

Exceptions:

1. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2.2. Accessory buildings or structures.
2. Accessory buildings or structures.
Please contact the Building Department for more details.