Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementHard
A homeowner acting as their own contractor requests a final inspection for a new residential addition. During the inspection, the inspector finds several minor deficiencies, such as missing GFCI protection in a bathroom and a handrail that is slightly too low. The homeowner insists on receiving the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) immediately because they have tenants moving in the next day. What is the inspector's responsibility regarding the CO?
- AGrant the CO but impose a fine for each deficiency found.
- BIssue a temporary CO to allow tenants to move in, conditional on corrections being made within a week.
- CDeny the CO until all deficiencies are corrected and re-inspected.
- DIssue the CO and note the deficiencies for future follow-up by the homeowner.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Deny the CO until all deficiencies are corrected and re-inspected.
A Certificate of Occupancy signifies that the building or portion thereof is ready for occupancy and complies with all applicable code requirements. Even minor deficiencies must be corrected before a CO can be issued, as they relate to fundamental safety and habitability.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Fines are a separate enforcement tool and do not substitute for achieving code compliance required for a CO.
- B. Temporary COs are typically for specific circumstances, not to bypass correcting non-life-safety deficiencies for occupancy.
- D. Issuing a CO with known deficiencies is a dereliction of duty, as it certifies non-compliant work as ready for occupancy.
Certificate of Occupancy Conditions
The requirements that must be met for a building or portion thereof to be deemed safe and code-compliant for its intended use, allowing a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued.
- Issued after final inspection and all code requirements met.
- Authorizes legal occupancy and use of a building.
- Cannot be issued if any code deficiencies remain.
Memory trick: CO means COMPLETE, not 'Almost There' for Occupancy.