Certificate of occupancy
A local government document saying a building meets code and can be lived in. New construction needs one, and some towns require one when a home sells.
Also called: CO, C of O, occupancy permit
Related terms
Local government approval for construction, additions, or major system work. Unpermitted work can cause problems with appraisals, insurance, and resale.
A home that is newly built or still being built, usually sold by the builder. Builder contracts differ from resale contracts, and the sales rep works for the builder.
A condition that breaks local building or housing codes. Open violations can delay closing or become the buyer's problem after purchase.
Local rules that control how land can be used, such as residential, commercial or mixed use, plus limits on density, height and setbacks. Zoning affects what you can build or rent.