Certificate of completion
Also called CC
The document issued when permitted work is finished and has passed final inspection but does not create occupiable space, such as a reroof or a pool.
When it applies
In the permitting lifecycle, certificate of completion applies during Closeout.
- Setup: does not usually apply
- Preparation: does not usually apply
- Submission: does not usually apply
- Plan review: does not usually apply
- Permit issued: does not usually apply
- Inspections: does not usually apply
- Closeout: applies at this phase
A certificate of completion closes out permitted work that does not create or change occupiable space. Reroofs, window replacements, electrical service upgrades, pools, fences, and mechanical changeouts typically end with one of these rather than with a certificate of occupancy.
It is issued after the final inspection passes and any outstanding fees are settled. Functionally it is the record that the work was permitted, inspected, and accepted.
Why you want it on file
The certificate is what proves, years later, that work was done under permit. Home inspectors, buyers, insurers, and appraisers check permit history, and a permit that was pulled but never closed reads as unresolved work even when the job was finished properly.
An open permit with no certificate is a common and avoidable problem at sale time. Closing it out after the fact means re-opening the permit, and sometimes exposing the work again for inspection.
Related terms
Rules vary by jurisdiction
This definition is general. How certificate of completion is handled in practice is set by the building department that permits your property. Find yours in our free directory.
Last reviewed September 4, 2026