Who issues final acceptance or a certificate of occupancy?

The final acceptance or certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official. This role is critical in the construction and building safety process, as the building official is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the construction adhere to local codes, regulations, and safety standards. The building official inspects the project to verify compliance, and upon satisfactory completion, they have the authority to issue the certificate, indicating that the building is safe for occupancy.

This process is essential for protecting public health and safety, as it establishes that the building has met all necessary requirements and is suitable for use. While other entities like building inspectors and contractors may play significant roles in the construction and inspection process, it is the building official who has the ultimate responsibility for final approval and the authority to certify that a structure is ready for occupancy.