The City of Dana Point does not require a City Business License, however, the City does require a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued for any new businesses in the commercial area, existing businesses undergoing any tenant improvements that require a Building Permit, any new use,  or change of business use or type in existing space(s). A Certificate of Occupancy is not required for any businesses that changes their name or ownership.

Please contact the City to verify that your business use is permitted in the space you are looking at before signing a lease. For more information regarding business in the City of Dana Point, please contact Jaimie To at jto@danapoint.org.

NO TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

When there are no improvements involved, the process consists of completing a Certificate of Occupancy application, providing a basic plan, obtaining the approvals, paying the required fee, and passing an on-site inspection. The Certificate of Occupancy will be available for pick up the next business day or mailed to you within 5 business days. 

WITH TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

When improvements are part of the project, a building permit application and construction specific plans are required to be submitted for review. Upon obtaining the approvals and paying the required fees, the permit is obtained by a licensed contractor performing the work. Commercial projects of any type do not qualify as an Owner/Builder permit. After passing the required inspections, the Certificate of Occupancy will be available for pick up the next business day or mailed to you within 5 business days.

Related Link:

• Tenant Improvements Plan Check Submittal Requirements (B105-TI SUB)

NOTES:

Food related businesses are subject to specific Water Quality Grease Management Requirements & Orange County Health Department approval. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, compliance with the grease management requirements shall be certified on the WQ Grease Management & Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban Certification Form. Some of these requirements may require a separate Building Permit.

Signs or Banners: Signs or Banners require a separate permit process and must have a valid Certificate of Occupancy in place prior to Sign/Banner permit issuance. Please visit the Planning Counter for all permitting processes and information.

 APPLICATIONS & HANDOUTS:

• General Information (B106–C OF O)
• Certificate of Occupancy Application (A004–C OF O)
• Permit Application - Building Permit Application
• WQ Grease Management & Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban Certification Form (B101-WQFS)