Take premises without a zoning surprise

Work through it

1. Signing without a licensing contingency

   Signing without a licensing contingency. If the jurisdiction will not permit your use at that address you still hold the lease — ask for that clause before you sign, not after.
2. Check zoning and licensing for the exact address with that city or Check zoning and licensing for the exact address with that city or county before you sign the lease.
3. Confirm the local license permits your use there A city or county business license is tied to what happens at that address; confirm your specific use is allowed before the lease binds you.
4. Ask whether a change of use or building permit applies Fitting out a space, changing its use, or adding signage often needs a permit from the local building department; find out before you commit.
5. Get a certificate of occupancy before you open Local building departments require a certificate of occupancy for your use before you may operate; opening without one risks being shut down.
6. Have these ready
   • The exact address you intend to occupy, not just the neighborhood
   • Your state business license number — most local jurisdictions ask for it
   • Whether you will need signage, a change of use, or a building permit

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