CPHD
CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
Items Related: A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) states that a building, structure or the proposed use of a building or land is in compliance with all applicable laws, County Ordinances, and regulations. No occupancy can take place until a CO is issued. This applies to a new building, a change in a nonconforming use, or a change in occupant (other than residential). There are several different types of CO's, such as, Master, Shell and Core, Partial, Parking Structures, Family Day Care Homes, etc. If you have questions about what type you may need to call the Zoning Administration Office at 703-228-3883. For the appropriate fees for a CO contact the same office or visit this web site for the Zoning Services Fee Schedule (PDF Format). For a Partial CO an applicant fills out a CO application and files this with the appropriate fee with the Zoning Administration Office that checks the proposed use for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. If in compliance, a Zoning Technician will enter the CO application information into the computer system, accept the appropriate fee, and forward the application to the CO Technician in the Inspection Services Division. The CO Technician will schedule the appropriate inspections for the CO. Issuance of a CO requires an average of seven (7) to ten (10) days assuming that no violations or discrepancies are noted. The Zoning Administration Office usually mails the CO to the applicant. In some cases additional information may be needed, such as, a parking plan and/or a seating layout plan. Check with the Zoning Administration Office for additional requirements in filing applications for restaurants and for car dealerships. CO applications should be submitted no later than Thursday, 5 p. m., two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled occupancy date. |
