How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy? How long does it take and what is the cost?
Category:
Community Development
Permits for single-family home additions (ADDR), new construction (BLDR), accessory structures (ACCS) and some interior remodel projects (INTR) all require a Certificate of Occupancy.
For Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO), all items in section 'A' below must be submitted.
For Final Certificates of Occupancy (FCO), all items in section 'B' below must be submitted, plus comments in TCO must have been addressed by the permit holder. FCO may take up to thirty (30) days for processing.
The permit holder must address all conditions listed below for an occupancy certificate to be processed. This application and all required
documentation should be submitted to certofoccupancy@cityofevanston.org. Separate applications are required for T.C.O. and F.C.O. requests.
Issuance may take up to 5 days. Application contact shall be notified after the certificate has been processed.
For T.C.O. submit:
1. Final Field Inspection Reports of Structural, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical and Fire Department with approval indicated for T.C.O. or F.C.O.
2. Health Department Inspection Report (if applicable). Health Department inspection should be scheduled after approval of the disciplines listed
above.
3. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) inspection approval (if applicable). Contact city Civil Engineer Plan Reviewer for information
of this requirement.
All inspections can be scheduled by calling 847 448-8207 – option #5. Please keep copies of reports for your records. For unit occupancy, 100%
completion is required. T.C.O. is allowed for phased occupancy and for items not able to be completed due to weather (i.e. final grade,
concrete/asphalt installation).
For F.C.O., also submit:
1. Notarized Sworn Statement of Final Construction Cost
2. Digital versions of construction documents for projects costing greater than $500,000 or with a significant impact on the city. For information on digital
submission requirements, please visit:
https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/community-development/building-inspection-services/digital-submission
3. Final plat of survey with grades by State of Illinois licensed surveyor or engineer (if project includes excavation area over 100 sq. ft.) for civil approval.
4. Final approved building plans submitted in PDF format (on flash drive or as email attachment depending on file size).
5. Planned Development/Zoning Conditions Compliance Verification (if applicable)
6. Compliance with Illinois Accessibility Code 404.2.9 Door & Gate Opening Force of all hinged, sliding and folding doors and gates is required. Self certification by the architect or contractor must list all door numbers per the door schedule of the city-stamped drawings, room names and measured
opening force of each door. Fire-rated doors do not need to comply with this requirement.
7. Compliance with the Green Building Ordinance (if applicable). Developer or Designer of Record shall submit a completed design phase review approval
letter or similar documentation from the project’s rating organization (i.e. LEED, Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, IgCC)
8. Compliance with the Bird Friendly Ordinance (if applicable). Self-certification documentation from the designer of record.
9. For buildings that will have residential rental units, provide a rental registration application and floor plans of rental dwelling unit with
dimensions. Please visit cityofevanston.org/government/departments/health-human-services/protect/rental-registration for rental registration
requirements and application. Emergency contact information shall be posted on the exterior of the building near the main entry at least 5’
above grade.
Application:
https://www.cityofevanston.org/home/showpublisheddocument/12231/638031649682270000
Updated 8/15/2024 5:54 PM