How to find and read an NYC Certificate of Occupancy

Understand what the certificate records

NYC Department of Buildings describes a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) as stating a building's legal use and/or permitted type of occupancy. A CO can identify approved uses by floor, occupancy groups, dwelling-unit counts, zoning information, and the DOB job associated with the certificate.

Read the actual certificate and its floor-use records. A property-level label or the mere existence of a PDF is not enough to determine whether a particular unit, floor, or present condition matches the approved use.

Search BIS for certificates issued before March 1, 2021

DOB directs users seeking a Certificate of Occupancy issued before March 1, 2021 to the Building Information System. Search the property address, open the Property Profile, and select the Certificates of Occupancy link to view available certificate images.

Match the address, BIN, BBL, job number, certificate type, and issuance date. Multiple certificates may reflect amendments, temporary approvals, or different stages of a project.

Search DOB NOW for certificates issued on or after March 1, 2021

For Certificates of Occupancy issued on or after March 1, 2021, use the DOB NOW Public Portal. Search by address or BIN, open the Property Profile, and select Certificate of Occupancy to review certificate details and floor-use records.

The filing system changed, but the research task did not: compare the certificate with the correct building identity and retain the issuance date and referenced job.

Distinguish final, temporary, and other occupancy records

A final CO and a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) are different records. DOB explains that a TCO can authorize occupancy while outstanding matters remain and carries an expiration date. Check whether a later TCO, interim certificate, or final CO superseded the document you opened.

A Letter of Completion may close out some minor alteration work without replacing the building's CO. Keep job completion and approved occupancy as separate questions.

• Read the certificate type and issuance date.
• Compare the approved use floor by floor.
• Check for later certificates and related alteration jobs.
• Confirm that the document belongs to the correct BIN and lot context.

Treat a missing certificate as a research question

DOB notes that some buildings constructed before 1938 may not have required a Certificate of Occupancy unless later alterations changed use, egress, or occupancy. In an appropriate case, the borough office may address proof of legal use through a Letter of No Objection process.

A missing public CO is not proof that a use is legal or illegal. Portal coverage, property identity, building age, alterations, and other agency records all matter. Material occupancy questions should be verified with DOB and reviewed by qualified counsel, architects, engineers, or other professionals as appropriate.