Get assistance with Certifi registration and login, as well as selecting the type of CofO application you need by referring to the tutorial. It will guide you through the application process step by step. Choose the most appropriate CofO type from the following options:

• Change or revision an existing Certificate of Occupancy
  • Change/Add New Business/Owner
  • Change the Use of Property
  • Change the Load of Property

You can apply as:

• Property Owner
• Business Owner/Tenant
• Authorized Agent of the Owner
• Authorized Agent of Business Owner/Tenant

There are six (6) types of CofO applications: ownership change, use change, occupant load change, revision, temporary occupancy, and new building. For new buildings, there are three (3) CofO subsets: completion of core and shell, conditional, and establishment of a new occupancy.

• Ownership Change: Ownership change occurs when property or business ownership transitions between current or new tenants, owners, or proprietors. This type of application is required if the operator of a use established by a prior CofO is changing. No changes to the use, square footage, or occupant load are proposed. Please note that a zoning inspection is required for nonconforming uses, apartment buildings, rental units, eating establishments, for any use where the current CofO was issued more than 10 years ago, and other uses as determined by the Office of the Zoning Administrator.

• Use Change: Use change refers to the alteration of the intended purpose of a property or space. It occurs when a property transitions from one designated use to another, such as converting residential areas into commercial spaces or transforming retail areas into offices. A building permit application with plans is required to be approved, constructed, and passed inspection prior to the approval of a CofO.

• Occupant Load Change: Occupant load change involves adjusting the capacity of a building or space to accommodate varying numbers of people or amounts of weight safely. This change typically occurs during renovations or when repurposing a building for different uses, necessitating changes to its occupancy limits or weight capacities. A building permit may also be required to change the occupant load, as determined by the Permit Operations Division. CofO for new construction and occupant load changes (over 5,000 square feet) will be reviewed by the District of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Stormwater Management. Failure to request a final inspection of stormwater management facilities, and submission of as-built plans of the completed stormwater facility, may result in the denial of the CofO application.

• Revision: If a typographical error was made in a previously issued CofO, the applicant should apply for a revision to the issued CofO. Note that no substantive changes to the use or occupancy are permitted as a revision to an issued CofO.

• Temporary Occupancy: For the use of a building or outdoor event on a temporary basis. Conditions may be imposed as necessary and will include an expiration date. A building permit may be required prior to the issuance of a temporary CofO.

• New Building:

  • Completion of Core and Shell: A means to recognize that the core and shell of a building have been substantially and materially completed in accordance with the DC Construction Codes. It does not allow occupancy of a building. A core and shell CofO must be obtained prior to a Conditional Certificate of Occupancy for a new building.

  • Conditional Occupancy: A conditional certificate of occupancy may be issued for part of the building before completion of the entire work covered by the building permit. Review the Issuance of Conditional Certificates of Occupancy Guidelines for details about the application submission, review, and approval process. If you have questions about how to apply for a conditional or core and shell CofO, please review the Conditional and Core and Shell Certificate of Occupancy FAQs.

  • Establishment of a New Occupancy: This refers to the certification required when a newly constructed building is fully completed and ready for occupancy in accordance with all building and zoning codes.