Restaurant Food Service Permitting & Licensing Guide
March 2016
Page 13 of 16
about the wall test process or to see a list of registered surveyors, please visit [insert link to
Office of Surveyor Services, Get a wall examination].
The Office of the Zoning Administrator staff will review the wall examination and the
approved plat to determine whether the wall test is consistent with the approved plat. If it
is, the zoning technician will approve the wall test, enter the approval into our database,
and the applicant is able to schedule a footing inspection and move forward with the
construction consistent with the approved building permit and plats.
7. Certificate of Occupancy
Once construction is completed and all inspections passed, you may submit your application for
a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). A C of O is a legal document issued by DCRA following all
inspection approvals for new construction, change of occupancy, or change of Ownership,
giving the building or business Owner authorization to occupy the specified building or space
based on validation that the proposed occupancy is in compliance with building code and
zoning regulation. The number of tables, seats, and occupancy load must be consistent with
what is depicted on the submitted and approved floor plans and building permit. Additionally, if
your project was subject to a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) or Zoning Commission (ZC)
Order, an inspection may be required to verify compliance with the order. In some cases, staff
will ask the applicant and provide a letter demonstrating compliance before the C of O
application is approved.
The C of O Certificate validates the use of the restaurant or eating establishment and includes
important information such as the description, use and occupancy, maximum occupant load
per number of seats per floor, including outdoor seating, as required by the MOA between
DCRA and ABRA (see the DCRA - ABRA MOA section below on page 13), and any special
conditions specified by the Code Official. It must be posted in a conspicuous location in the
restaurant. It also allows DOH to proceed with their final inspection, as well as may be checked
by the Fire Marshall and Building Official during business operation to ensure your occupant
load conforms to what is stated on the C of O.
The following are the steps to get your C of O approved:
1. Complete the C of O Application – you will be required to provide a copy of your
lease. Also, if applicable, complete the Certificate of Occupancy Authorization Form
to authorize someone else to act on your behalf.
2. Visit DCRA (1100 4th Street SW, 2nd floor) Information Desk.
3. A DCRA staff member will input your application and assigned you a unique permit
CO number. You will be routed to the zoning desk in the Permit Center for review of