Updated: February 28, 2012, 9:31 AM
Hollywood, Fla., and West Seneca, N.Y.
They might be a thousand miles apart in geography and climate, but they have one unusual trait in common, according to area real estate agents: They're the only towns in the United States requiring a Certificate of Occupancy prior to a transfer of property.
Minutes after agents successfully arm-twisted the West Seneca Town Board into rescinding a controversial ordinance that — for 58 days — required the replacement of sewer lines between older homes and the street at sale, attention turned to the Certificate of Occupancy.
The certificate, town officials argue, is in the best interest of prospective buyers — for both safety and information's sake. A $100 fee to the town gets the property certified by a town inspector who makes sure the home is not only habitable and safe but up to town code.