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Permit Guide For Opening a Business
BEFORE You LEASE or BUY Commercial Space/Building for Your Business:
Call or contact the Permit Center at [email protected] on the 3rd Floor at City Hall: (714) 536-5271 to verify whether the space/building meets the City Zoning requirements. A planner will check if your property:
- has been zoned properly for your business type
- has adequate parking for your business type
- is determined to be a Change of Use or Occupancy for your proposed use
Additionally, your business use will need to meet the California Building Requirements. A permit technician will review:
- A change of use may require a building plan and building permit
- Additional equipment, including storage racks, may require mechanical, electrical or plumbing construction permits
- Some change in use requires a fire construction permit - please contact Plan Check Services
If interested in buying or leasing a building in Huntington Beach, it is recommended that a Code Compliance Report be requested from the Building and Safety Division.
- proactive approach to identify possible deficiencies that may need to be corrected before a new owner or tenant moves into a building,
- can help business/property owners eliminate unexpected costs for code corrections
Terms Defined
Certificate of Occupancy - A certificate that indicates the occupancy classification, use, and number of occupants
Change in Use - Any change including adding/moving equipment, storage racks, wall openings/doors, or hazardous material use that changes what work/activity is being performed in the space
Change in Occupancy - Change in use that changes the general occupancy classification allowed in the space/building
Apply for Certificate of Occupancy
Did you know?
The Police Department provides FREE security checks of your home while you are on vacation! This service is provided courtesy of the HBPD Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Sign up online for this free service.
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