Certificate of Occupancy in City of Garland, Texas
A Certificate of Occupancy is a document that allows a business to operate in a specific location. It ensures that a business complies with zoning ordinances as well as any structural or fire/life/safety codes, thereby assuring that the building is ready for occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all uses other than single-family homes.
Certificate of Occupany is issued in following three categories in City of Garland, Texas.
- General Business : While submitting Certificate Application in this category, Emergency Contact Sheet for the Fire Department, Sexually Oriented Business Acknowledgement, Utility Release and Sign Regulations forms must be completed.
Download Certificate of Occupancy Application - General Business
- Automotive Businesses : Includes the Certificate Application, Automotive Uses Definitions / Regulations, Emergency Contact Sheet for the Fire Department, Sexually Oriented Business Acknowledgement, Utility Release and Sign Regulations (ALL forms must be completed).
Download Certificate of Occupancy Application - Automotive Business
- Convenience Stores : Includes the Certificate Application, Emergency Contact Sheet for the Fire Department, Sexually Oriented Business Acknowledgement, Utility Release, Sign Regulations (all forms must be completed) and the Convenience Store Acknowledgement.
Download Certificate of Occupancy Application - Convenience Stores
Fees
The current fees for Certificate of Occupancy application are $238 ($150 Building Inspection fee plus a $50 Fire Marshall's Office fee plus a $38 processing fee).
Requirements for Certificate of Occupancy
- All five pages of the above documentation must be completely filled out prior to submitting to the Building Inspection Department for review.
- COs are required for any business within the city limits. New COs are required when a change of ownership occurs, when there is a change in business use, or if the business is expanded into additional/adjoining spaces.
- Businesses must be registered with the Dallas County Clerk's Office). Additionally, your business must be registered with the State Comptroller's Office and a Sales Tax Permit obtained.
- The type of business you will be operating determines the number of City departments that will visit your site for inspection.