Permits usually come from your city or county and cover where and how you operate: zoning or a certificate of use for the location, health permits for food and personal care, fire inspections for occupancy and equipment, sign permits, and building permits for buildouts. Confirm them before signing a lease or buying equipment.
Common permit types
| Permit | Applies when |
|---|---|
| Zoning / certificate of use | Using a property for a business purpose |
| Health permit | Food, personal care, some child care |
| Fire inspection / permit | Public occupancy, cooking equipment, hazardous materials |
| Sign permit | Exterior signs and banners |
| Building permit | Renovations, electrical, plumbing work |
| Home occupation permit | Running a business from home in some cities |
Before you sign a lease
- Ask the city if your use is allowed at that address
- Ask what inspections are required and in what order
- Ask the landlord who pays for required improvements
- Get answers in writing where possible
Track it
Use the opening timeline planner to schedule inspections before opening day.
Worked example
Before signing a lease for a small café, Ana asks the city whether café use is allowed at the address, what building permits the planned changes need, whether the health department requires plan review, and what sign permit applies. The answers change her plan: the space needs a grease trap, which she negotiates into the lease.
Common mistakes
- Signing a lease before confirming permitted use
- Starting renovations before permits are issued
- Forgetting sign permits
- Missing renewal dates
- Assuming the previous tenant's permits transfer
Permits by business type
Food businesses usually face health plan review, food service permits and fire inspections. Construction trades face building permits per job. Salons face establishment licensing and inspections. Retail shops often need sign permits and certificates of occupancy. Mobile businesses may need vendor permits in each city. Use your industry playbook for specifics, then confirm with the local offices.
Common questions
Who issues business permits?
Mostly cities and counties, plus state agencies for health or specialized activities.
Can a landlord get permits for me?
Sometimes for building work, but you are usually responsible for your operating permits. Confirm in the lease.
How long do permits take?
It varies widely by type and jurisdiction; ask each office for typical timelines.
Can I start work before permits are approved?
Usually not; starting early can lead to fines or having to redo work.
Do permits transfer with a lease?
Often not; permits are usually tied to the business or work, so check with each office.
Who pays for permits in a lease?
It depends on the lease; negotiate responsibility before signing.
Are permits public records?
Many are; some cities publish permit histories for addresses online, which can reveal past issues at a location.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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