Locating a New Tenant (or Occupant) in an Existing Building

A Commercial Building Permit is required anytime a new tenant moves into a space.

For a “Change of Tenant” please review the Change of Tenant Submittal Guide and the information below:

• Change of Tenant (moving into a space previously permitted for the same building occupancy type, such as business use to business use). 

• Staff will review the application to determine if additional permits are required for (either the following):

• Changes in “occupancy classification”
• See Commercial Projects Submittal Guide as additional submittal requirements will apply.
• Physical changes to the space
• See Commercial Projects Submittal Guide as additional submittal requirements will apply.
• Food services and certain day care facilities will need to include a menu if the project needs to be reviewed by Wake County Environmental Services (Health Department).  
• Submit your permit application directly to  Wake County Environmental Services . Application and fees for Wake County Environmental Services permits must be made directly with Wake County.
• Often changes in menu require changes in kitchen equipment which may require additional permits.

Once a permit has been issued, the required building and fire inspections will need to be scheduled and approved before the Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

Include the following documents with your Commercial Building Permit application:

• A floor plan of the space to be occupied, drawn to scale, showing and identifying each room, bathrooms, doorways, exits, reception areas, etc.
• An overall suite layout for the building drawn to scale, clearly identifying the name, address, and type of business for each tenant space.
• A sign permit is required before you install a permanent or temporary sign. Many non-residential developments have approved Master/Uniform Sign Plans which set parameters for the size, location and design of signs on property constructed or managed as a single development.

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