The purpose of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is to ensure that the use of building, structure or land in the District of Columbia conforms to the Zoning Regulations, DCMR Title 11, and to the provisions of the DC Building Code, DCMR Title 12A. In most cases, no person is permitted to use a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia for any purpose, other than a single family dwelling, until a valid C of O for that use has been issued by DCRA.

An express COO is a fast tracked Certificate of Occupancy and is strictly for those properties that have already been converted but do not have a COO. Under the traditional process, one would need to have Architectural renderings drawn for the property, a variety of inspections and different stages of construction, as well as go thru a 90-120 day waiting period. With an Express COO you would potentially acquire a COO thru a modified program which would not require architectural renderings of the property and only one inspection. However, the property must adhere to the same requirements as any other property. Most applicants have their COO’s in as little as 4 weeks. The cost for an Express is significantly cheaper. Most would pay over $5000 with plans for a traditional Certificate of Occupancy but with an Express the total fee $1000 and includes all Filing and Issuance fees. (Do note this fee DOES NOT include the Rental Property License)

Yes, you are required by law to have both. Once you have a Certificate of Occupancy you can make application for Rental Property License. However, we do recommend applying for both at the same time with us as we can combine the inspections for both at the same time versus having to do two separate inspections and taking longer.