Certificate of Occupancy

Step 1.Review Requirements

The following approvals are required prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO):

• Zoning verification to determine if the proposed use is allowed and a site inspection is conducted for compliance with zoning regulations such as required parking, landscaping, screening, etc. (If you have Zoning questions, please contact the Planning Department at 972-237-8255.)
• Inspection of the structure for compliance with the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire code.
• A site inspection and/or review is required for compliance with Environmental Services requirements.
• For all Auto Related Businesses, a Code Compliance inspection is required (thereafter an annual $200 Auto Related Business inspection fee is required).

Additional requirements:

• All businesses are required to maintain trash service. Submit a Solid Waste Verification form to the Environmental Services Department.
• A Health Permit may be required if applicable for food service, sales, storage or preparation; day care center, chemical storage, etc.

Step 2.Apply

You must apply online for the Certificate of Occupancy through the City of Grand Prairie's Customer Self-Service portal. First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.

Apply Online

Permits are processed in approximately 3 business days not including pending inspection process.

Step 3.City Staff Schedules Inspections

After completing the online application, you will see a list of required inspections within the Customer Self-Service portal. City staff will contact you to schedule these inspections.

What next?

When all of the inspections, Building, Zoning, Fire and Environmental Services (Code Compliance if required), are approved, an electrical release will be sent to the Electric Utility Company and the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

You must setup your account with an electric provider within 30 days of your inspection date or the electrical release will become invalid. Operation of a business without a Certificate of Occupancy posted on site is a violation of city ordinance.