DoorWorthy

Who needs a certificate of occupancy and building permits for the build-out in California?

Issued by Your city or county building department (in Los Angeles, the Department of Building and Safety), at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.

Every kind of business in California

The California table lists this for every kind of business.

Confirm the zoning allows your use at the address before signing, then plan for the occupancy approval: a change of use (a store becoming a restaurant, a warehouse becoming a studio) means plans, build-out to code, accessibility upgrades and inspections. Ask the building department what the last approved use of the space was.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 3 of 6: Approve the space

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city or county building department (in Los Angeles, the Department of Building and Safety).

Sources and dates

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.