Letter of no objection

A letter of no objection is the Department of Buildings' documentary answer for buildings that lawfully lack a certificate of occupancy — generally those predating the requirement and never since altered in ways that trigger one. The letter states the department does not object to a described use, based on the records it holds, giving owners, lenders, and buyers something citable where no certificate exists.

It is weaker than a certificate — a records-based statement rather than an inspection-backed certification — and its accuracy depends on what the historical file supports. In diligence on older buildings, the letter is the standard instrument for bridging the certificate gap, and requests for one are a routine part of closing on pre-certificate housing stock.