Certificate of Occupancy

An owner who intends to sell his residential or commercial property is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. A certificate of occupancy is required on all transfer of ownership transactions including land contract purchases:
  • An orange Certificate of Occupancy sticker posted on the property indicates that it is unlawful to occupy or cause to be occupied a dwelling/building without such certificate obtained from the City's Building Department.
  • The seller is responsible for obtaining the certificate prior to the purchase closing.
  • Buyers must be aware that they are subject to receiving a citation and/or the shutting down of their business should they occupy their dwelling or building without first obtaining such certificate.