Final building inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

What Renton calls it

Renton uses the term Certificate of Occupancy (not "Final Approval" or "Certificate of Completion"). Under RMC 4-9-130, no building shall be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Building Official.

What the inspector is looking for

By the final building inspection, the inspector has already seen foundation, framing, and rough work. The final is the comprehensive walk-through:

• Life-safety items — smoke and CO detectors installed and functional, exit paths unobstructed, stair railings at code height and baluster spacing.
• Mechanical ventilation — bath fans and range hood vented per drawings.
• Energy compliance documentation — blower-door test results, WSEC compliance forms, insulation certificate.
• Structural — all structural elements per the stamped drawings; any Coal Mine Hazard Area geotech conditions satisfied.

What happens if something fails

The inspector issues a correction notice. The GC fixes the item and calls for re-inspection. Most final corrections are small (a smoke detector battery, a railing baluster). Re-inspection is days, not weeks.

When this is done

When the CofO is issued, the permit is closed, and the project is legally complete. The GC can demobilize. You can move back in.