Certificate of Occupancy

Certificates of occupancy are required for all businesses operating within commercial and industrial locations within the City. Businesses new to the City as well as existing business changing business name, business ownership type, business use, business location within the City, or square foot occupied all require a new certificate of occupancy. The certificate of occupancy and business license should be applied for concurrently.

The certificate of occupancy process can be completed entirely online. To obtain a new certificate of occupancy, follow these simple steps:

  1. Register for an online Citizen Access Portal (CAP) account (please allow up to 24 hours for account approval).
  2. Complete the Application for MDAQMD Clearance Form and submit to MDAQMD for approval.
  3. Complete the certificate of occupancy application online and upload the approved MDAQMD form with your application.
  4. Once your application is processed, you will be notified to pay your fees ($188.28) online through your CAP account.
  5. Go online to your CAP account to schedule inspections with the Building Division and Fire Department.

If your business is sharing office space with another business who holds a current business license and certificate of occupancy, your business may not need a certificate of occupancy. If you believe your business is sharing space, please contact the Building Division at (760) 955-5100.

FAQs

How do I apply for a certificate of occupancy?

Certificates of occupancy can be applied for online. Just visit the City's Citizen Self Service Portal to apply for your certificate of occupancy.

How do I schedule a my Building and Fire inspections?

When your certificate of occupancy is ready for inspection you will receive an automated email prompting you to schedule your Building and Fire inspections. Please contact the Building Department and Fire Prevention Division directly to schedule your inspections. The Building Department can be reached at (760) 955-5100 and the Fire Prevention Division can be reached at (760) 955-5227.

How do I know when the Building Inspector will arrive at my scheduled inspection?

Building inspections are conducted Monday-Friday in the morning between the hours of 8am-12pm, or the afternoon between the hours of 1pm-5pm. When you schedule your inspection through the City's Citizen Self Service Portal, you are able to choose both the date and time frame (AM or PM) for your inspection.

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