Certificate of Occupancy

Step 1.Application Submittal and Review Requirements

• Provide location address including unit or suite # if applicable.
• Provide business occupancy and operational information – Land Use Questions(PDF, 26KB) will be asked as part of submittal on the Customer Self-Service portal
• Floor Plan – A dimensioned layout of the building or suite being occupied indicating square footages and uses of each space. This can be hand drawn but must be legible.
• All businesses are required to maintain trash service. Submit a Solid Waste Verification Form to Public Health & Environmental Quality
• A Health Permit may be required if applicable for food service, sales, storage or preparation, day care center, chemical storage, etc.
• Auto related businesses are required to comply with the following ordinance
• and will need to apply for an ARB permit with a $25 application fee (payable to Public Health & Environmental Quality at 972-237-8055 or in person at City Hall) and a $200 annual fee. Access the ARB permitting packet here(PDF, 428KB).

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.Review Process

• Planning Department – Zoning verification to determine if the proposed use is allowed. If you have Zoning questions, please contact the Planning Department at 972-237-8255.)
• Building Inspection - will review proposed “use” to determine if compatible for the intended building, structure, or suite per the adopted Building Code. (For questions: 972-237-8230)
• Public Health & Environmental Quality – will review proposed “use” for applicable compliance for Public Health & Environmental Quality. Examples: food service, sales, storage or preparation, day care center, chemical storage, etc. (For Questions: 972-237-8055)

Step 1.Inspections for a Certificate of Occupancy

• Building/Structural– City staff schedules inspection after reviews are completed and invoice is paid. Please review attached General Compliance Inspection Checklist(PDF, 18KB). For Questions: 972-237-8230
• Fire Basic – Inspection scheduled with Building/Structural inspection see attached Fire Basic Inspection Checklist(PDF, 42KB). For questions: 972-237-8230
• Environmental Quality – Please contact staff to schedule CO inspection as needed after payment of fee(s). For Questions: 972-237-8055

Additional inspections may be required by other city departments depending on occupancy and use.

• Fire Technical – Inspect for compliance with the adopted fire code. For Questions: 972-237-8312
• Code Compliance – Required for all Convenience Store and ARB business types. For questions 972-237-8296
• Housing and Neighborhood Services – Required for multi-family. For questions: 972-237-8294
• Engineering – If project is new construction that required a public works permit. For Questions: 972-237-8141

Note:

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) that is part of new construction, remodel or addition shall follow the following Permit Close-out Process(PDF, 958KB)  and apply for needed CO as described above.

Step 2.What Next

When all required inspections 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 28 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.