Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Application form for Electrical Inspection
Certificate of Occupancy graphic

Table of Contents

Who Can Apply

To apply for a CO, your project must have successfully cleared the following:

  • Full Approval: You must have a granted Master Permit (Building Permission).
  • A Completed Permit Card: You must show that all mandatory interim inspections (foundation, plumbing, framing, etc.) were conducted and signed off by the Building Inspection Unit.
  • Final Electrical Clearance: Your electrical systems must be certified as safe by a licensed electrician and verified by the Electrical Inspection Unit.
     
How To Apply: The 3- Step Completion Process

Step 1: Final Electrical Inspection

Before you request a walk-through from Town and Country Planning (TCP), your electrical system must be fully cleared.

  • Action: Your Licensed Electrician must submit an "Application for Inspection" form to the Electrical Inspection Unit.
  • Location: Electrical Inspection Unit, 3rd Floor, Plaza Building, Road Town.
  • Contact: 1(284) 468-3603 or 468-3604.
  • Note: Owners cannot apply for this; only a licensed professional can certify the work.

Essential Documents

Application form for Electrical Inspection

Step 2: Request the TCP Final Walk-Through

Once your electrical and plumbing are cleared, you are ready for the official building inspection.

  • Notice Period: You must provide 24 hours' notice for inspections on Tortola and 48 hours' notice for inspections on the Sister Islands.
  • Contact: Phone 1(284) 468-3701 or email tcpapplications@gov.vg to book your appointment.

Step 3: The Site Visit & Issuance

During the final walk-through, inspectors will review:

  • Plan Adherence: Does the finished building match the approved architectural drawings?
  • Safety Features: Are smoke detectors, handrails, and fire exits in place?
  • Permit Card: The inspector will verify that all required interim signatures are present.

Why the CO is Essential

You might be tempted to skip this step once the paint is dry, but the CO is required for:

  • Permanent Utilities: Finalizing your permanent accounts with BVI Electricity and Water & Sewerage.
  • Insurance & Financing: Most banks and insurance companies require a CO to validate your property value and coverage.
  • Legal Use: It is technically illegal to occupy or change the use of a building in the BVI without an active Certificate of Occupancy.

Pro Tip

Keep your Stamped Drawings on-site for the walk-through, as inspectors will need to refer to them during the visit.

Contact Information

Town and Country Planning Department - Tortola

Second Floor, R.G. Hodge Plaza
Road Town, Tortola
Virgin Islands (British) VG1110
Telephone: 284 468-2158
Email: tcp@gov.vg