Certificate of Occupancy Inspections: What inspections are required for a Certificate of Occupancy?
The type of inspection will vary from business to business, according to the nature of the proposed use and activity in the building. However, the following is a list of the most frequently encountered areas of non-compliance found during a Certificate of Occupancy inspection.

1. The building must be unlocked at the time of inspection. It is not required that someone is present as long as access to the space is available.

2. The address number, including suite numbers, must be posted on the front and back of the building. Address numbers must also be posted on the electric meter and gas meter.

3. All required exit doors must be able to be opened without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort from the egress side.

4. Appropriate exit signs must be in place and code compliant.

5. No open electrical wiring is allowed. All junction boxes, outlets and switches must have covers in place. Breaker panels must be labeled and contain circuit breakers or blanks in each breaker position.

6. Area around equipment and electrical panels must be kept clear for a distance of 36 inches.

7. Parking lots must contain the number of spaces required by the City of DeSoto Zoning Ordinance, including a minimum of one van-accessible parking space, with appropriate signage, and wheelchair curb ramp.

8. All plumbing drain openings without an approved P-trap must be plugged or capped in a permanent condition.

9. Restaurants using fryers require a Type I hood with an automatic fire extinguishing system and must be inspected prior to the release of the Certificate of Occupancy.

10. Sprinkler heads that are a component of a required automatic sprinkler system are not to be painted, obstructed, or used for support of any decorative material. An 18-inch clearance must be maintained between any storage and a sprinkler head.

11. Fire Lanes must be clearly striped: 6-inch red stripe with 4-inch letters stating “No Parking Fire Lane”, as approved by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

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1. Water Heaters in the Garage: If I have an existing electric or gas water heater in or accessible from the garage, must I raise it 18 inches above the floor level when it is replaced?
2. Common Homeowner Permits: What are some of the more common permits that homeowners should be concerned with?
3. Acquiring a Permit: How does one acquire a permit?
4. Inspections Required: When is a building inspection required?
5. Building Permits Required: Why does the City of DeSoto require building permits?
6. Construction Hours: What are the hours of work for construction?
7. Building Codes and Zoning: What is the difference between a building code and zoning?
8. Contractor Registration: Do I have to register as a contractor with the City of DeSoto?
9. Requesting a Building Inspection: How do I request a building inspection?
10. Building Codes Adopted: What building codes has the City of DeSoto adopted?
11. Certificate of Occupancy: What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
12. Certificate of Occupancy Inspections: What inspections are required for a Certificate of Occupancy?