Checklist for 6+ Weeks Before CO

Before we will be able to issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) (or, for shell buildings, a Certificate of Completion, or CC), the contractor must complete several steps. These should be started as soon as possible so there is not a delay in scheduling final inspections nor the issuance of the CO or CC. They typically take several weeks. Full details on each step are located on the linked webpages.

1. Acquire easements

Easement Acquisitions (PDF)

1. Submit easement acquisition documents.
2. When the easements are approved, record them at the York County Register of Deeds' office.
3. Add the deed book and page numbers for public and private easements to the as-built plans. 

2. Submit CCTV videos

For full details: As-built plans webpage

Submit CCTV videos of all public sanitary sewer gravity lines and all public and through-drainage underground stormwater systems

3. Submit as-built plans and associated documents

For full details: As-built plans webpage

1. As-built plans with deed book and page numbers of the easements.
2. Soil compaction test results for all water, sewer and stormwater lines.
3. Lien waivers (PDF) from all contractors and subcontractors constructing or delivering materials related to public water and/or sewer facilities.
4. Stormwater Permanent Maintenance Agreement (PDF) if private stormwater system is present. 

4. Upon approval of as-built plans 

For full details: As-built plans webpage

1. Upload AutoCad file
2. Submit one full-size mylar copy of signed, sealed and certified plans for water, sanitary sewer and stormwater facilities to us.
3. Submit an original signed Stormwater Permanent Maintenance Agreement with exhibits to our office for recording if the project has private stormwater facilities.

Next for public water and/or sewer infrastructure 

For full details: As-built plans webpage

1. When your as-built plans have been approved, the City’s Water and Sewer Utilities Department will issue an Operation and Maintenance (“O&M”) letter to you if a Permit to Construct was issued by SCDES. 
2. Submit the Operations & Maintenance letter and any other required project close-out documents to SCDES to obtain your Permit to Operate – Water and Permit to Operate – Sewer.
3. When you receive your Permits to Operate from SCDES, upload a copy through our online plan review software.
4. Schedule your Commercial Water Meter Set Inspection for water meters to be set. 
5. We will then release the water meters to be set. Please allow three to five business days for our utility crews to install the meters.
6. Submit fire hydrant flow test results when you are ready. 

Next for commercial buildings

Deferred submissions 

You must submit plans, receive permits for, and have inspections for all other required submittals that were not included on the building plans, such as:

• Signs
• Fences
• Retaining walls
• Fire alarm systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Exhaust hoods
• Irrigation systems

Backflow preventer testing

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services requires that backflow prevention devices on irrigation systems and fire sprinkler systems be tested and the results submitted to us prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

• State webpage with its requirements and a list of certified testers
• The backflow device must be a testable double check or a reduced pressure principal valve.
• Submit the test results on our Cross Connection Control Test Form (PDF). 
  • Click on "Apply Online" above
  • Click on "My Permits"
  • Click on the specific permit
  • Click on "Upload Document" and follow the prompts from there
• If you need a meter to test the device, call us at 803-448-9747.

Annual test results must be submitted to the Utilities Department employee listed on the Cross Connection Control Test Form (PDF).

Special Inspections Final Reports

Submit all final documents required for special inspections using the process explained on our special inspections webpage.

Business License and Utility Transfer

The tenant must obtain a business license, set up a utility account and transfer service into its name. 

Most commercial projects also will need to submit a Utility Meter Plan at this time: 

• Click on the "Apply Online" button below
• Click on "My Permits"
• Click on the specific permit in the list
• Click on "Upload Document" and follow the prompts from there

Final Inspections

Preliminary review time

When you have completed all the above, call us to request final inspections at 803-329-5590. We need time to review all the preliminary steps before we will be able to place you on the next available inspection date. This review typically takes about:

• 5 business days for new construction and upfits involving both interior and exterior work
• 3 business days for upfits involving only interior work
• 1 business day for very minor upfits

Scheduling 

After our review is complete and we confirm that you have completed all required steps, we will place your project on the next available inspection date. Our inspectors are able to complete final inspections on two commercial, townhouse, or apartment projects per day. 

Types of final inspections 

Several different types of inspectors will visit your project depending on what it involves. Common items they look for include the following; this is not intended to be an exhaustive list. 

• Building Inspector
  • Handicapped accessibility per requirements of ANSI A117.1
  • Building constructed as shown on approved building plans
  • All open permits
• Fire Inspector
  • Emergency lighting
  • Fire extinguisher locations
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Fire alarm systems
• Zoning Inspector
  • Dumpster screening
  • Dumpster gate has “hold open” rods
  • Parking lot striping and signage
  • All new signs and sign faces have permits
  • Fencing must be installed if required
  • Parking lot lighting fixtures are allowed height and have adequate shielding
  • Parking lot striping
  • Historic design requirements, if applicable
• Landscape Plans Reviewer: All landscape material has been installed according to approved plans--placement correct; quantity and size correct; species correct
• Roadway Inspector: Roadway surface, curb and gutter, and sidewalks
  • examples of acceptable sidewalks (PDF)
• Water/Sewer Inspector: Water meter boxes property set to grade
• Stormwater Inspector
  • Grade of land
  • All stormwater measures are installed according to approved plans
• Electrical Utilities Inspector: Power installed according to approved plan
• Industrial Pre-Treatment Inspector: Grease trap 

Please note that approval of final inspections does not authorize occupancy; occupancy is permitted only after a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

Temporary Certificates of Occupancy and Related

If your project is nearly but not quite fully completed, you may make one or more of these types of requests as you continue to move towards a Certificate of Occupancy:

• Temporary Certificate of Occupancy 
• Temporary Certificate of Completion (for shell buildings) 
• Request to Place Equipment or Furnishings (without occupation of the structure)

Our Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and Related webpage explains more about each.

Certificates of Occupancy and Related

Certificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Completion are issued by City staff after all required inspections, documents, fees, and other permit, utility and business license requirements have been completed and approved. No separate application is required. Once issued, the certificate will be emailed to the permit contacts.