What is an OC or Occupancy permit?

Q:
What is an OC or Occupancy permit?

A:

OC stands for Occupancy Permit. The Occupancy Permit is issued by the local building department; it signifies that the house is safe for people to inhabit. It doesn’t mean that the house is finished; it means that if someone moved in to the new home then they would be able to use the home without the worry of injuring themselves, things such as railings or guardrails must be installed. The home must also be able to sustain human life at its normal level, things such as water hot and cold, light, toilets, showers, electrical systems and heating units all have to be properly functioning.

There are safety systems that must be in place before the OC permit will be issued, things such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and working. The gas proofing layer between the attached garage and the rest of the home must be completely intact with no gaps or holes.

When talking about electrical, all plugs and switches have to be installed and if they are not installed then there must be cover plates to protect people from accidental electrical shock. All GFI’s in the bathrooms must be installed and functioning and there must be at minimum one working light per room that is functional.

There is one more inspection that must be completed after the occupancy permit and it is called the final inspection. To be given the final inspection your landscaping and grading must be properly completed.

Rob Abbott
Operations Manager
Village Builders Inc.