Certificate of Occupancy — City of Detroit (BSEED)

What it is. The Certificate of Occupancy, issued by BSEED when a permit is completed. A CofO is required for new construction, major renovations, change of use, and to establish a new use (such as a tenant build-out) — e.g., converting a space to a restaurant.

Who issues it. City of Detroit — BSEED (City layer).

When you need it. Before occupying the space for the restaurant use / on a change or new use.

How to apply. Complete permitted work and inspections; the Certificate of Occupancy is issued when the permit is completed.

Fees. Per the BSEED 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

• City of Detroit — BSEED FAQ (Certificate of Occupancy) — https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-frequently-asked-questions — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02