A. Use Or Occupancy: Buildings or structures shall not be used or occupied nor shall a change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the city, county of Los Angeles, state of California or the United States. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the city, county of Los Angeles, state of California or the United States shall not be valid.
In lieu of a certificate of occupancy, when the building shell, including all structural elements, is completed and all life safety systems are installed and functional, the building official may issue a certificate of completion to allow a limited use but not occupancy of the building prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A certificate of completion is issued to signify completion of a building exclusive of interior build out by a tenant or an owner.
B. Change In Use: Changes in the character or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in the building code and the residential code.
C. Certificate Issued: After the building official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws which are enforced by the code enforcement agency, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address of the building.
3. The name and address of the owner.
4. A description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the building has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the group and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
6. The name of the building official.
D. Temporary Certificate: If the building official finds that no substantial hazard will result from occupancy of any building or portion thereof before the same is completed, he/she may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for the use of a portion or portions of a building or structure prior to the completion of the entire building or structure; provided a cash deposit is made in accordance with section 9-1-115 of this chapter. Applications for a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be submitted with the required fee in accordance with city council resolution and shall be paid prior to issuance. The building official may set a deadline for the certificate to expire, as well as impose conditions thereto. A violation of a condition shall constitute cause to revoke or suspend the temporary certificate.
E. Revocation Or Suspension: The building official may, in writing, revoke or suspend a certificate of occupancy when the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information, or when it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any provision of this chapter. Revocations or suspensions of certificates of occupancy are appealable by an owner and occupant of the subject premises in the same manner provided for appeals from notices of denial of a permit or notice of permit condition(s) that are issued pursuant to this administrative code. A timely appeal shall stay a revocation or suspension, unless the building official is concurrently exercising emergency powers as provided for in this administrative code.
F. Violation: It is unlawful and a violation of this administrative code for any person to occupy or use a building or structure, or portion thereof, that is subject to a revoked or suspended certificate of occupancy, or an expired or revoked temporary certificate. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017)