What is the purpose of CO (certificate of occupancy) in project closeout?

• A. To authorize occupancy by authorities once building complies with applicable codes and safety requirements.
• B. To authorize construction to begin.
• C. To approve the budget.
• D. To certify environmental sustainability.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a certificate of occupancy is the formal permission from the local authorities to occupy a building, granted after final inspections confirm the structure complies with applicable codes and life-safety requirements. It marks that the project has met the necessary standards for safety and code compliance, and it signals the transition from construction to use, often triggering final administrative steps and the start of warranty periods. It is not what starts construction (that would be the permit to begin), not a budget approval, and not a certification of environmental sustainability. In some cases a temporary occupancy permit may be issued if certain noncritical items are still being finished, but the standard certificate of occupancy is the final authorization for occupancy.