Certificate of Occupancy (C/O)

For your convenience you may now also apply for your permits online through www.mygovernmentonline.org

When you get to the point to select an application type on the site from the drop down menu you will choose the permit application from the list that pertains to what you need.   If you need it to be attached to a building permit you will “add to existing” permit.  Then complete the application and upload all your documents. Be sure to include an email and cell phone number so you can get notifications as your application goes through the process.

All files submitted must be in PDF.

Inspections

If the electricity (but no gas) has been disconnected, at least three inspections are required as follows:

  • A permanent power inspection ( this is to release power to the utility provider). For this inspection the building will be checked for exposed wiring, receptacles, switches and fixtures are in place, circuits labeled on the electrical and any items that could be a hazard once power is restored. All electrical must be in a code acceptable condition and in good working order. If any of the items fail the inspection, any repairs to circuits and or replacement, alteration or installation of any new electrical lines, circuits or fixtures will require an electrical permit and must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. After the items are corrected and pass a re-inspection we will send notification to Oncor. Arrangements to have service reconnected need to be made by you directly with the electrical company.
  • The Fire Department must perform an inspection, when that inspection passes, then
  • Building Inspections must perform a C/O inspection

If both the electricity and gas have been disconnected two permits may be required and at least three inspections are required:

  • A licensed plumbing contractor must obtain a plumbing permit, perform a gas test as per code, call for inspection for inspector to verify test, if the test passes notification will be sent to Atmos Energy. Arrangements to have the gas service reconnected need to be made by you directly with the Gas Company. All requirements stated above must also be complete.
  • The Fire Department must perform an inspection, when that inspection passes, then
  • Building Inspections must perform a C/O inspection.

If the utilities have nor been disconnected at least two inspections are required:

  • The Fire Department must perform an inspection, when that inspection passes, then
  • Building Inspections must perform a C/O inspection

Electrical

All the electrical must be in a code acceptable condition and in good working condition. Any repairs to circuits and or replacement, alteration or installation of any new electrical lines, circuits or fixtures will require an electrical permit and must be done by a licensed electrical contractor.

Plumbing

All the plumbing items must be in a code acceptable condition and in good working order. Any repair to plumbing pipes or replacement of fixtures will require a plumbing permit and must be done by a licensed plumbing contractor.

Heating/Air Conditioning

All HVAC must be in good working order. Any repairs and installation of heating and air conditioning will require a permit and must be done by a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor.

Citations

Any electrical, plumbing or heating an air conditioning performed by anyone other than a registered licensed master electrician, plumber or mechanical contractor can result in citations and fines to both the owner of the business and the individual performing the work.

Frequent Items Observed by Inspectors

List of most frequently items observed by Inspectors is provided in the following for your information:

  • Suite number on front of suite and building address numbers posted on front of building facing the street in contrasting colors, 6-inch letter size 7 feet above ground.
  • Address on electrical service meter
  • Handicap accessible restrooms (grab bars and under sink protection, etc..)
  • Backflow protection (vacuum breakers on hose bibs, etc..)
  • Electrical cords not allowed through ceiling grid/tiles
  • Exit lights must be operational
  • Emergency backup lights must be working
  • Thumb latch on locks or code compliant signage on exit doors (Panic hardware, lever hardware, no bar lock, etc..)
  • Post occupant load signs (assembly uses only)
  • Mechanical violations (unsafe conditions)
  • Electrical violations (unsafe conditions)
  • Plumbing violations (unsafe conditions)
  • Building violations (unsafe conditions)

This information is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on in place of official regulations and/or policies.