Step 3 — Certificate of Occupancy

What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued by the City of Atlanta after all construction inspections pass. It certifies that the building meets safety codes and is approved for its intended use as a food service establishment.

Why It Gates Everything

You legally cannot open your restaurant to the public without a CO. Your food service permit inspection will also require evidence that a CO has been issued or is pending.

How to Obtain Your CO

1. Complete all construction under your building permit
2. Pass all required inspections: framing, rough-in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, and final
3. Request a Final Inspection through the e-Permitting portal
4. The CO is issued once all inspections pass

Phone: (404) 330-6070

Common Final Inspection Failures

• Hood suppression system not installed or not inspected
• Grease interceptor installed but not approved by Watershed Management
• Accessibility features incomplete (ramp, restroom clearances, signage)
• Exit signs or emergency lighting not functional
• Fire extinguishers missing or not tagged

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)

If minor items remain incomplete, you may be issued a Temporary CO allowing limited occupancy. A TCO typically expires in 90 days and requires a punch list to be completed.

What SpoonSeal tracks

The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.