WHY DO YOU NEED A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY ( C of O)?
The Certificate of Occupancy is the City’s assurance to a prospective buyer, current owner or tenant that the building substantially conforms to repair and maintenance standards as of the date of issuance.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY?
A renewable Certificate of Occupancy is required for any building that contains residential rental dwelling units. One and two family structures must be renewed every six (6) years and multiple families and mixed use occupancies containing at least one dwelling unit must be renewed every three (3) years. A new C of O is required whenever any of the following occurs:
- A transfer of title of a two family, if a C of O has not been issued within the prior two (2) years.
- A reoccupation of a building which has been vacant for over two (2) months, unless a C of O was issued within the prior year.
- A change of occupancy or use.
Click
here for the Chart of Certificates of Occupancy Issued
by NSC
WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY INSPECTION?
The Certificate of Occupancy inspection is a visual inspection, including the interior and exterior of the property. The inspector will look for such items as: paint and trim; gutters; accessory buildings; interior mechanical systems such as heat, electric and plumbing; interior and exterior structural soundness; safety features; and space requirements. This inspection process aids in bringing houses within the City of Rochester into substantial compliance with the City Property Code, Building Code, Zoning Ordinance and other applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY?
An applicant for a Certificate of Occupancy must be the owner of the property or the owner’s representative. An applicant should have the following information:
- The type of construction (e.g. frame, masonry, number of stories).
- The use of all parts of the building by story and by type of residential and/or commercial units.
- Other buildings on the property, such as garages or sheds.
Applications may be made in the Permit Office, Room 121B, City Hall, 30 Church Street, Rochester, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Once a building meets zoning approval, an inspection will be conducted to assess whether any current violations exist. If so, a Notice and Order will be issued which identifies the number and types of violations. When all violations are corrected, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
An inspection will be conducted at the owner’s/agent’s requested date and time (Monday - Friday between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) provided a three (3) work day lead is given.
Owners are encouraged to submit a schedule of repairs with time frames mentioned so that we may better be able to respond or plan for any inspections requested.
FEE SCHEDULE
| Unit |
Fee |
| Single Family Fee |
$40.00 |
| Two Family |
$50.00 |
| Three Family |
$55.00 |
| Four Family |
$60.00 |
| Five Family or more |
$85.00 + $4/unit over 5 units |
| Rooming House |
$85.00 + $4/unit over 5 units |
| Mixed Commercial/Residential |
$85.00 + $5/unit |
| Non-Residential 0 - 25,000
sq. ft. |
$45.00 |
| Non-Residential 25,000 - 50,000
sq. ft. |
$85.00 |
| Non-Residential 50,000 sq.
ft. or more |
$110.00 |
| Letters of Compliance |
$50.00 |
|
The Certificate of Occupancy application fee for a renewal is waived if the application is receieved within forty (40) days of the motification letter date.
