CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

Certificates of Occupancy are required under Title 3, Subtitle 1, Section 3.100 of the Howard County Code. The certificate identifies the permitted use of a building or structure and identifies any special considerations or limitations.

WHY A CERTFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

A Certificate of Occupancy reflects Departmental approval of work allowed by the building permit and establishes the conditions of occupancy of the structures.

WHEN IS A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY REQUIRED

A building or structure shall not be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Code Official for:

• New buildings and structures
• Existing buildings in which a change in use and occupancy has occurred
• Temporary occupancy

Upon the request of the holder of a permit, a temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit provided the Code Official determines that such portion or portions of the building can be occupied safely prior to full completion of the structure without endangering life or public welfare.

HOW TO APPLY AND WHAT TO EXPECT

• RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
  The Certificate of Occupancy is issued automatically upon completion of the building and final inspections by the Department.
  
  
• COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
  Upon written request from the owner of the building or structure, the Code Official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy provided there are no violations pending and it is established after inspection and investigation that all work has been completed satisfactorily.

FEES

There is no additional fee for the Certificate of Occupancy, it is included in the building permit fee.

PROCESSING TIME

• RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
  Residential Certificates of Occupancy are issued automatically within 1 or 2 days after the Licenses and Permits Division receives notification from the Inspections and Enforcement Division that all work has been completed, including a final grading inspection and a grading certification has been completed by a licensed Land Surveyor.
  
  
• COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
  The Certificate of Occupancy will be issued within one or two days, provided all certifications are received by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Inspections and Enforcement Division, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045-1800. Certifications by Registered Professional Engineers are required to verify:
  • Load bearing value of soils;
  • Proper erection of all structural steel;
  • Compliance with the Energy Conservation Code for the exterior envelope of the building;
  • The adequacy of all concrete work. (Concrete test reports required).

  WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

  • Automated Inspection and Permit Request and Information
    410-313-3800 (Dial-up System)
  • General Information
    410-313-2455 (Licenses and Permits)
  • Building Inspections
    410-313-1810
  • Fax 410-313-3322
  • TTY 410-313-2323