opening a new business / certificate of occupancy
All commercial businesses must complete the certificate of occupancy process before opening
Please apply for your Certificate of Occupancy permit using the information below.
Ensure you have all of the following items as applicable to submit for an accessory structure permit.
You will need to upload the following documents with your permit application:(City Building Inspection Department may request additional information if necessary)
***Drawings must be drawn to scale, dimensioned and of sufficient clarity.
- Permit Application (Here)
- Detailed Floor Plan
- Commercial Water Application submitted, and payment made. ($400)
- Application for water and sewer taps if applicable.
- Knox box
- Driveway approaches and drainage culverts (engineered plans – driveways accessing State Highways requite TXDOT permit)
- TDLR # (Projects Valued over $50,000)
- Asbestos Survey
- Sign Permit Application (Here)
- Customer Service Inspection Application (Here)
- Fire & Safety Inspection Application (Here)
- Food Establishment Permit Application (if applicable) (Here)
You will upload all of the above documents after completing the registration on the permit portal as described to the right.
Using the portal button below, please follow the steps below for accessory structure permit.
Click Commercial --> Next Step
Click New Construction OR Renovation
--> Next Step
- Fill in all fields and ensure to choose CITY OF NEWARK as the jurisdiction. --> Next Step
- You will be required to enter a description of the project in the box at the top.
- Check the following box: Building (Structural & Non-Structural)
- Check any boxes that apply, such as electrical, mechanical or plumbing.
- Ensure to enter the full VALUATION of the project as well as filling in each field.
--> Next Step ---> Create Project
* Fees will be added once a permit is received if they are not automatically calculated and will need to be paid before plans are sent to plan review.
At this time, you need to submit the required documents
Click Review Project
Click First Review
Click Upload Documents for Review.
Upload all documents listed in the required documents listed to the left.
What to know about the requirements for Certificate of occupancy issuance.
The Certificate of Occupancy inspection is an inspection for life and safety items and general maintenance. Some common items noted during inspection are listed below. This list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list.
1. Doors to exterior should not have double key locks, slide bolts, or other locking devices other than thumb turn lock or bolt.
2. When required, illuminated exit signs must be in good working order.
3. Address and suite # must be posted on the building in 6” minimum numbers on a
contrasting background clearly visible from the street.
4. Every Space must have 24-hour access to the electric panel, which serves that space.
5. Missing circuit breakers or knockouts in electric panels and junction boxes must be filled.
6. Broken or damaged electrical fixtures and cover plates must be repaired or replaced.
7. Added electrical fixtures and outlets must comply with the National Electric Code.
8. Hose bibs should have vacuum breakers.
9. Plumbing fixtures must be in good working order.
10. Any unused plumbing must be capped.
11. Gas appliances and heaters must be properly vented and installed.