California Residential Inspector Practice Exam

Which information is NOT required on a certificate of occupancy?

1. The square footage of the structure

2. The name of the owner

3. The address of the property

4. The date of issuance

The correct answer is: The square footage of the structure

A certificate of occupancy is a crucial document issued by a local government agency to signify that a building meets all building codes and is safe for occupancy. It typically includes several key details that are necessary for legal and administrative purposes. The square footage of the structure is not universally required on a certificate of occupancy. While some jurisdictions may include it for their record-keeping or zoning purposes, it is not a standard requirement across all locations. The primary focus of a certificate of occupancy is to indicate compliance with safety and building regulations rather than to provide detailed property metrics. In contrast, the other details such as the name of the owner, the address of the property, and the date of issuance are generally required to establish the identity of the property, ensure that the correct building is associated with the certificate, and confirm when the building was legally allowed to be occupied. These elements help provide clarity on ownership and the history of the occupancy, which are significant for legal and real estate transactions.