INSPECTIONS - RESIDENTIAL - 1 & 2 FAMILY
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KEYWORD
QUESTION
ANSWER
Certificate of Occupancy What is a Certificate of Occupancy inspection? A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) inspection is required for all non-owner occupied properties used for rental purposes. It must be performed prior to the transfer of title. It is usually requested at the time the purchase agreement is signed. A C.O. inspection is not required when the seller lives in the dwelling unit.
Is there any cost for a Certificate of Occupancy inspection? $50.00
How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy inspection? The seller or the selling agent (Realtor) comes to the Building Department with the following:
  1. Name, Address & Phone number of both the seller & buyer.
  2. The anticipated date of title transfer.
  3. If the buyer is going to be residing on the property, which suite will he/she be living in?
  4. A check for $50.00
If violations are found during the inspection, who makes the repairs? The repairs are the responsibility of the seller of the property. If the buyer wishes to assume some (or all) of the violations, then he/she will need to come to the Lakewood Building Department (with his/her valid driver's license) to sign a notarized Affidavit stating that they will be legally responsible for the repairs. There is no cost for this affidavit.
Annual Inspection What is an Annual Inspection? An Annual Inspection is required by law for non-owner occupied properties and to be done every three years. Annual inspections are done (most of the time) on a per-street basis.
Is there any cost for an Annual Inspection? No

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Frequently Asked Questions
City of Lakewood Divison of Housing & Building