What are the minimum requirements before a new residence can be occupied?
Generally anything that is considered to be a safety or sanitation requirement must be complete before occupancy of a new dwelling will be granted. A Certificate of Occupancy is required to be issued by the Building Official before a dwelling may be legally occupied. Some of the issues that must be complete for a residence to be occupied prior to full completion include:
• Approval of the onsite wastewater system and water supply by the Environmental Health Department
• Smoke detectors required by building code installed and functioning
• At least one fully functioning bathroom, including a tub or shower, a lavatory and a water closet; any opening in the DWV system for additional fixtures shall be capped
• A kitchen sink and cooking facilities
• A water heater with a thermal expansion tank
• At least one exit including landings, stairs, handrails and guardrails that fully comply with applicable code requirements; additional exit doors do not have landings that are over 30 inches above the outside grade shall be blocked by approved guardrails or be locked by temporary double keyed deadbolts
• Handrails on stairs with three or more risers and guardrails on porches, decks or similar platforms located 30 inches or more above adjacent surface
• Required electrical receptacles, switches, lights, fixtures Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and cover plates
• Final approval of the Electrical Service, including grounding system shall have been given
• Between September 30 and May 1, required mechanical heating equipment shall be completed and approval given by the Building Official
• A Temporary of Occupancy may be obtained in certain cases until a full final approval of the residence is given.

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1. What is the minimum size parcel that can be built on?
2. How close to a property line can I construct a house?
3. How is my property zoned? What uses are allowed on the property?
4. Can a second dwelling be constructed on a piece of property?
5. Can I build in the floodplain?
6. What work requires a permit?
7. How long is a building permit valid for?
8. What do I need to submit to obtain a building permit?
9. What is a site (plot) plan?
10. What are the fees for building in Franklin County?
11. When are plans required to be prepared or be sealed by an architect or engineer?
12. What work requires licensed contractors?
13. What codes have been adopted by Franklin County?
14. Where can I obtain a copy of the Building Codes adopted by Franklin County?
15. What are the minimum requirements before a new residence can be occupied?
16. When will I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
17. Can I build an addition onto my manufactured home?
18. Where can a manufactured home be placed in Franklin County?