What is issued by the building department once final inspections are complete and the building is up to code?

The correct answer is the certificate of occupancy. This document is issued by the building department once all final inspections are complete and the building has been verified to be in compliance with local building codes and regulations. The certificate of occupancy is essential as it formally signifies that the structure is safe to inhabit and can be used for its intended purpose, whether residential or commercial.

While the building permit is important for approving the initial construction plans and allowing the work to begin, it does not confirm that the construction is complete or up to code. A construction loan refers to the financing provided specifically for the construction phase of a project, and does not relate to the occupancy status of the building. An occupational license typically pertains to individuals or businesses operating within specific professions and is not directly relevant to building occupancy. The certificate of occupancy is the critical document indicating that a building can be legally occupied.