What is the legal document issued by a local authority that permits a building to be occupied?

The correct answer is the certificate of occupancy (CO), which is a legal document that indicates a building has met all the local building codes and regulations necessary for occupancy. This certificate ensures that the structure is safe and suitable for its intended use, whether residential, commercial, or otherwise.

A certificate of occupancy is typically issued after a final inspection by the local authority, confirming that the construction has been completed in compliance with the approved plans and relevant codes. It protects public safety by ensuring that buildings are habitable and have met all necessary health and safety standards.

While a building permit is an initial authorization to start construction, it does not confirm that the building is ready for occupation. Similarly, a certificate of inspection pertains to specific evaluations of different aspects of the building, like electrical or plumbing systems, but does not address overall habitability. An occupancy permit is often used interchangeably with a certificate of occupancy, yet the term may not convey the same legal significance in all jurisdictions, making the certificate of occupancy the more precise choice in this context.