Occupancy Permits for New Business

Assistance Available for Business Owners

Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting welcomes new businesses and has dedicated experts ready to assist applicants through the processes. For questions or additional information, visit the Applicant Support website to connect with our Small Business Navigator and Planning & Permitting Ombudsman.

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development specializes in providing resources for businesses to start, locate, and expand. They assist in site selection, workforce recruitment & training, incentives, marketing, and more.  For more information, visit the Office of Economic Development website.

Occupancy Permit Process

All commercial businesses located within Frederick County must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to occupying a commercial space. To obtain a Certificate of Occupancy the business needs to apply for a Non-Residential Building Permit. A Certificate of Occupancy is not a business license but confirms that the business has been permitted to occupy a space and adheres to all relevant building codes and zoning ordinances. 

Once an applicant has verified with Development Review and Planning and/or the Zoning Department that prior approval is not required or, obtains prior approvals via their separate approval processes; a Non-Residential Building Permit Application can be submitted via the online permitting portal. 

The process for obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy includes the following steps:

  1. Submit a non-residential building permit along with the required documentation.
  2. County intake staff reviews the submission prior to processing.
  3. County plan review staff reviews the submitted materials and verifies that all plans meet code requirements.
  4. Once approved, the permit is issued.
  5. Necessary inspections are completed and approved. Applicants are responsible for requesting their own inspections.
  6. After all inspections have been completed, and the final building inspection has passed, the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Examples of when Non-Residential Building Permits for a business are required.

  • A business builds a new complete building
  • A new business moves into an existing space
  • An existing business moves into a new space
  • An existing business changes its name
  • An existing business owner changes
  • An existing business completes an addition or alteration to its space or changes the goods/services being offered 
  • The use of an existing space changes

Please note that the requirement for a permit is not limited to the examples provided. If you have any questions, please contact us. 

Tips for Saving Time

If you would like to save time at time of application in the office, or if you would like to verify that a proposed location will be acceptable for your business, it is suggested that you complete the Key Questions for New Business Applicants Form and either email the Permits and Inspections Office, or fax it to 301-600-2309 in advance of your application for the Occupancy Permit.

When applying for an Occupancy Permit, or to verify if a proposed business location is acceptable, it is recommended to complete the Key Questions for New Business Applicants Form. Completed forms can be emailed to the Permits and Inspections Office or faxed to 301-600-2309 before submitting your application.

This form is not a requirement, but it is helpful in many instances. Upon receipt, the information will be given a cursory review by staff. You will then receive the correct application form to complete and any suggestions or instructions specific to your particular situation. Please note that if the proposed business location is within the City of Frederick or the Town of Mt. Airy, you must contact those municipalities directly, as the County Department of Permits and Inspections will not be involved.

Helpful Links

Maryland’s Business License Information

Frederick County Clerk of the Circuit Court (Business License)
100 W. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21701
Ph: 301-600-1976
Email

Frederick County Health Department (Food Service Permits) Food Control Services
350 Montevue Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
Ph: 301-600-2542
Fx: 301-600-3180

Frederick County Liquor Board (Liquor License)
12 E. Church St.
Frederick, MD 21701
Ph: 301-600-2984
Fx: 301-600-3500
Email

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation