A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections. The occupant load printed on the certificate sets the liquor license tier and the restaurant fee. A business run from home files for a home occupation permit instead, and DLCP will not issue the BBL without one or the other.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 3 of 6: Approve the space
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Department of Buildings (DOB), Permit Operations and Zoning Administrator.
Sources and dates
Department of Buildings certificate of occupancy pages (use change, new business and occupant load change guides); DOB home occupation permit page. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Yes. A new tenant in a space already approved for the same use files a change of business certificate of occupancy; converting a space to a new use (retail to restaurant, for example) needs a building permit and a use change certificate after the inspections.
Department of Buildings (DOB), Permit Operations and Zoning Administrator.
Step 3 of 6, approve the space. The steps before it: set up the business and register for tax.
Who needs a certificate of occupancy in District of Columbia?
