C of O Use Group 4

This is a common topic. There's a lot of info online about it, so you can do well by doing a search. That being said, most of what you'll find will tell you that you should hire an architect to guide you through the process. The architect will need to provide drawings that prove to the DOB that the building meets all codes for the type of C of O you want.

Depending upon the condition of the building and the interior layout, this can be as easy as surveying the existing building and providing as-built drawings, or if current conditions are non-compliant, you may need to do some work to bring it up to code. Figure a couple thousand minimum to get the surveys and as-builts done. After that, it depends upon the work involved.

The actual C of O is an application process involving a bunch of forms and paperwork best done by an expediter. Figure a minimum of $2,500 in expediter's fees and a few hundred on top for the DOB, and a little for the architect signing some forms.

The process does not have to be difficult or prohibitively expensive, but again, depending upon if any work needs to be done, and if so, how much, it can be. The best bet would be to have an architect come and look at the property and give you an estimate.

Here's the self-serving part: I'm an architect and I would be able to do this for you. Please call me at (646) 309-7259.

Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture

Posted by: JimHill at July 31, 2009 10:38 AM