Small Business Permitting Guide

As a collaboration between Economic Development, Metro Health, and Development Services, this page has been created to provide small businesses with resources to navigate the permitting process.

Small businesses are encouraged to review this page before purchasing or leasing a space to confirm the property complies with zoning rules and other relevant requirements.

Get Started with Development Services

Whether you are thinking about opening a restaurant or buying an auto repair shop, it’s important to confirm that the property is approved for your type of business. The Development Services Department can help verify zoning, parking requirements, and other site considerations to ensure the location is suitable.

  1. Visit the Small Business Owner Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.
  2. Use the One Stop Zoning Map to look up the zoning of the property. See commonly permitted uses in our Examples of Use Permitted in Zoning Districts (PDF).
  3. Schedule a visit to Development Services, we can help walk you through the entire process.

Permitting & Certificate of Occupancy

Depending on your situation, your business might need one or more of the following items:

Plan Your Construction

Planning on doing construction to get your business ready?

  1. Visit the Commercial Project Resource Hub.
  2. A building permit is required if you are building from the ground up, making changes to the structure, demolishing, altering the interior, or expanding the use.
    • Create a list of changes to the building and visit Development Services.
    • The Business owner or agent (contractor, engineer, architect, or tenant) can apply for a building permit on BuildSA. Our Commercial Project Guide (PDF) was designed to help walk you through the permitting requirements. Upon obtaining an approved building permit, you can begin your construction.
  3. View the Commercial Inspection Checklist (PDF) for commonly required inspections, including:
    • Building
    • Landscape/Irrigation
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Traffic
    • Drainage
    • Gas
    • Sidewalk
    • Tree
    • Plumbing
    • Fire
    • Special Inspections

Ready to Move In

NOTE: No new construction can take place.

Is your space ready to move in? Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (PDF).

  1. For more information or if you have questions, visit the Certificate of Occupancy page or view the Certificate of Occupancy Information Bulletin (PDF).
  2. Once your Certificate of Occupancy application has been approved, you can schedule your inspections: Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and sometimes Health. These inspections are looking for life/safety items to ensure your space is safe for you and your patrons.

Existing Certificate of Occupancy

If the space you're renting has a valid Certificate of Occupancy for the same use as your proposed business, you can apply for a DBA Name Change (PDF).

  1. A new Certificate of Occupancy is not required when the business use and the occupancy classification remains the same, even with a change in ownership or tenant.
  2. Confirm that Certificate of Occupancy is valid by visiting Development Services.
  3. Fill out the DBA Name Change Application (PDF) for an updated Certificate of Occupancy. This will typically result in no inspection for your space. Each application is different, and we can help you make that determination when you visit us!

Health Permits

Alcohol & Food Licensing
Other Health Permits

Other Permits

Vending or Coin Operated Machine Permits
Commercial Kennel Facility
Alarm Permits
Apply for an alarm permit

Small Business Resources

Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Federal EIN Number?
Apply for an EIN on the Internal Revenue Service’s website.
How do I get resources for starting a small business?
The City’s Economic Development Department hosts events and provides resources to entrepreneurs. You can contact a Small Business Outreach Specialist or call 210-207-3922.
Do I need a Texas Sales Tax Permit?
A Texas Sales Tax Permit is required for all businesses that sell, lease, or rent taxable goods; provide taxable services; or acquire taxable goods or taxable services from out-of-state suppliers that do not hold a Texas Sale and Use Tax permit. For more information visit sales tax permit FAQ or sales tax permit requirements.
How can I reconnect utility services at my business?
To reconnect utility services at your business you will need an electrical permit and you will need to schedule an inspection with Development Services. Once the inspection is completed, Development Services will notify CPS Energy that it is safe to reestablish utility services.
Does the city process DBA registrations?
No, the City does not process DBA registrations. DBA’s are registered with the Bexar County Clerks Office. For assistance you can call 210-355-2216. DBA name changes may have additional Health Department requirements. For more information on these requirements visit Metro Health's Food & Environmental Health Services Division.
If the design is unable to fully meet all building codes, what are my options?
We recognize that at times the design or ideas for you project may not fully comply with or may not be addressed by the City’s adopted building codes or Unified Development Code. Our goal is to work with you to help resolve any development issues. We offer a range of code options. Please visit Code Exceptions & Appeals for guidance.
I am not sure of my project needs, what should I do?
If you’re not sure about your project needs, you can walk-in or schedule a free consultation meeting with our team. Our consultants are your main contact and can provide information on the development process, start to finish. Schedule an appointment on our website through Qless.
How do I obtain a permit for sidewalk or outdoor spaces?
Please check with Development Services Zoning team that you’re all set to provide retail on sidewalks. Additional permits may be required.