Dictionary of Real Estate Terms: Certificate of Occupancy (C/O)
Certificate of Occupancy (C/O)
a document issued by a local government to a developer permitting the structure to be occupied by members of the public. Issuance of the certificate generally indicates that the building is in compliance with public health and building codes.
Example: Upon obtaining zoning and subdivision approvals and passing inspection by code enforcement officials, the developer is issued a certificate of occupancy.
