New York Certificate of Occupancy and Place of Assembly

Your space has to be legally cleared for how you will use it. We handle the certificate of occupancy and, for larger rooms, the place of assembly permit through the Department of Buildings.

A certificate of occupancy from the Department of Buildings confirms that a space is approved for its intended use and occupancy, and rooms that hold larger groups also need a place of assembly permit. These approvals affect whether you can open at all and how many guests you can host. Gerald Franklin Agency and Warren Kalyan review your space and plans, coordinate the filings, and manage the approvals so your build out and opening stay on schedule.

How We Help

What We Handle

Review of your current certificate of occupancy against your planned use
Coordination of certificate of occupancy amendments where needed
Place of assembly permit applications for larger rooms
Alignment with your build out, architect, and expeditor
Guidance on occupancy limits that affect your operation
A single point of contact through the Department of Buildings process

Details

Occupancy and Assembly

Certificate of occupancy

Confirms the space is legally approved for its intended use and occupancy.

Place of assembly

Required for rooms that hold larger groups, common for bars and venues.

Why it matters

These approvals govern whether you can open and how many guests you can host.

Changes

A new use or build out can require an amended certificate. We manage it.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certificate of occupancy?

A Department of Buildings document confirming a space is approved for its intended use and occupancy. We review yours against your plans and file any changes.

What is a place of assembly permit?

A permit required in New York City for rooms that hold larger groups. Bars, restaurants, and event venues often need one, and we confirm whether yours applies.

Do I need to amend my certificate of occupancy?

Sometimes. A change of use or a build out can require an amendment before you open. We identify what applies and manage the filing.

How does this affect opening?

Occupancy and assembly approvals can gate your opening date, so we coordinate them early alongside your other permits.

New York Services

Explore More New York Licensing and Permitting

Gerald Franklin Agency and Warren Kalyan handle the full range of New York regulatory licensing and permitting, from the State Liquor Authority to New York City health, building, and operating approvals.

On Premises Liquor LicenseBars, restaurants, taverns, and hotels serving by the glass.Restaurant Wine and Beer LicenseWine and beer service for eating establishments.Liquor Store LicenseOff premises retail of wine and spirits.Outdoor Dining and Sidewalk Cafe PermitsSidewalk cafe and roadway dining approvals.Business and Operating PermitsThe health and local permits needed to open.New York OverviewEvery New York licensing and permitting service we handle.

Ready to Get Started in New York?

Tell us about your business and location. We will confirm exactly what you need and manage the filing to approval.