Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy is a certificate issued by the City’s Building and Safety Division which authorizes the occupancy of a building for a specific business or purpose. A Certificate of Occupancy also signifies zoning approval, meaning that the business is located within an appropriately zoned property in conformance with the City’s zoning regulations. Businesses cannot commence business operations until the Certificate of Occupancy and Business License applications are approved by the City.

When is a Certificate of Occupancy Required?

In addition to a City Business License, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) application is required for all businesses which are located within the City. A C of O is required prior to commencement of the business, upon change of business ownership, upon business  relocation, upon construction completion, and when the business is proposing to change or add to the business services rendered.

Certificate of Occupancy Process, Guidelines, Requirements, Floor/Plot Plan and Application(PDF, 1MB)