Building Department

Certificate Of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is required for new inhabited commercial and residential structures, as defined by the City's adopted International Building Code (IBC), and for remodeling projects when the occupancy group changes, as defined in the IBC. (For example, when an office changes to a restaurant). Contact the Building Department with questions as to what constitutes a change.

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Residential Single and Two-Family Construction

Residential remodels/additions for single and two-family structures do not receive a Certificate of Occupancy. Building Inspector will perform final inspection and sign off on inspection card. Owner retains inspection card.

New construction for single and two-family structures will result in Certificate of Occupancy upon the following:

• After building is complete
• Electrical, water, sewer, heating and cooling tested
• State Electrical Inspector has signed off on permit and blue inspection card
• Troubleshooting has corrected any issues
• Public Works has approved water meter installation
• Public Works has approved back-flow prevention device
• Public Works has approved public improvements in right-of-way
• Driveways must be finished with asphalt or concrete
• Building address numbers must be posted
• All site improvements are complete or On Site Improvements Agreement is in place
• Building Inspector has signed off on inspection card

A temporary C.O. may be released upon agreement. 

Appeals of C.O. inspections may be made to the director or chief of the department in question.

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Multi-Family and Commercial Construction

Commercial remodels where the occupancy group changes, as defined in the IBC, will result in Certificate of Occupancy. The C.O. will be issued upon completion. Contact the Building Department with questions as to what constitutes an occupancy change.

New construction for multi-family and commercial structures requires a C.O. prior to occupancy:

• After building is complete
• Electrical, water, sewer, heating, and cooling tested
• State Electrical Inspector has signed off on permit and blue inspection card
• Troubleshooting has corrected any issues
• Public Works has approved water meter installation
• Public Works has approved back-flow prevention device
• Public Works has approved public improvements in right-of-way
• Driveways must be finished with asphalt or concrete
• Building address numbers must be posted
• All site improvements are complete or On Site Improvements Agreement is in place
• Building Inspector has signed off on inspection card
• Any other inspection cards (when applicable) have been signed by Planning, Public Works and Durango Fire & Rescue Authority (DFRA)

A temporary C.O. may be released upon agreement. 

Appeals of C.O. inspections may be made to the director or chief of the department in question.