Certificate of Occupancy — Washington, DC
A DC Certificate of Occupancy confirms the space conforms to zoning and building codes and is required before using a commercial space.
What it is. The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) confirming the use of the building conforms to zoning regulations and building codes. A commercial business generally cannot use a space until a valid C of O is issued.
Who issues it. DC Department of Buildings (DOB) — Permits Division.
When you need it. Before occupying/using a commercial space and on a change of use. Restaurant C of O applications require supporting documents (owner authorization, scaled site plans, plats).
How to apply. Apply to DOB with the required supporting documents after the space conforms.
Fees. Per the DOB schedule — see source (⟢ VERIFY).
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.
References
- DC Department of Buildings, Get a Certificate of Occupancy — https://dob.dc.gov/service/get-certificate-occupancy — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.