Commercial Inspections, Certificate of Occupancy and Elevators

Pre-Construction Meeting

If you would like to schedule a pre-construction meeting for a project, contact Building Inspection at 804-748-1057 and your request will be given to the Chief of Commercial Inspections. If the inspection team determines that a pre-construction meeting is needed, an inspector will contact the contractor. The meeting assists to bridge gaps between the design and construction teams. The meeting takes place after approval of the construction documents and around the time construction commences. The following are suggested topics for discussion:

• Construction project requirements for inspection and construction methods associated to the project
• Exchange of contact information with appropriate parties involved in the construction
• Procedures for special inspections associated to the project
• Requirements for phasing or for occupancy (Important dates involved with the project, e.g. expected occupancy date, furniture installation, employee training etc.)
• Project specific conditions associated with unusual, unique or special conditions, including any code modifications

Inspections

Once a permit is issued and construction starts, the applicant is responsible for requesting inspections of the work performed at various stages to ensure code compliance with the approved plans. The applicant must provide a ladder, scaffolding or other equipment necessary to conduct or witness a requested inspection.

The basic required inspections are as follows, but not all of the inspections listed will be required for every project:

• Footing excavations and reinforcement prior to concrete placement
• Foundation systems
• Concrete floor slabs on grade prior to concrete placement
• Structural members and fasteners prior to their concealment
• Electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems prior to their concealment
• Fire rated and fire resistive systems
• Energy conservation material prior to concealment
• Final inspections
• Elevator and conveyance

Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required prior to occupancy of a new building or tenant space, prior to a change of occupancy classification of a building or tenant space, or whenever permits have been issued for renovation of a building or tenant space. In instances where the building or tenant space being renovated has a valid Certificate of Occupancy, final inspection approvals serve as the Certificate of Occupancy. A building or tenant space cannot be stocked prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy unless approved by the Commercial Building Inspector. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for any building or tenant space, all of the following must be inspected and approved:

• Exit stairs including handrails and guardrails
• Grade exit lobbies, exit corridors or exit passageways
• Elevator shaft enclosures, including a third party elevator inspection for verification and approval of equipment installation
• All required exit lights and emergency lighting, including the emergency generator, if provided
• The final report of special inspections, if applicable
• Removal of trash and construction debris from in and around building
• All required final inspections for all associated sub trade permits
• All departmental final inspections
• Other items, established during the inspection process, as required for occupancy

A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) may be issued if a clear certificate of occupancy cannot be issued due to departmental final inspection issues such as landscaping, paving, lot stabilization, etc. A TCO allows additional time for compliance and approval for an additional fee.

Letter of Completion

Upon completion and approval of a “shell building,” a Letter of Completion is issued. As tenant spaces within a shell building become occupied, they will receive a Certificate of Occupancy after all final inspections are performed and approved for that space.