Certain improvements can require a building permit.  If you are unsure if your improvements require a building permit please contact Building Safety at (623) 930-2800.

Please obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for your business prior to applying for a business license.

Certificate of Occupancy requirements:

1. If any construction work (Fire, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing or Structural) is being done or been done, submit a Permit Application and Tenant Improvement plan(s). If the space area is greater than 3000 sf the plans, (construction documents) must be sealed by a registrant (Architect or Engineer) licensed by the State of Arizona.
2. If no construction work is anticipated or was not done, submit a Permit Application for the “No work COO” with future business name. Our Building and Fire Inspectors will perform field inspection to verify that no work was needed or completed that would require building or fire permits.

Permit Application can be found at: https://www.glendaleaz.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=15331440

Once you are ready to submit an application and construction documents (if needed) please send an email to: permits@glendaleaz.com and attach all documents. A Development Services Representative will contact you with more information and inspection scheduling procedure. Please contact Development Services if you have questions, 623-930-2800.

When you have passed all of your inspections, request the Certificate of Occupancy via email to: COORequest@glendaleaz.com 

Please provide us with the following information:

Project Name :
Project Address : 
Building Permit # : 

Before you sign a lease agreement, verify your business activity is zoned for that location.

Zoning defines and provides parameters for land uses in a community. Land uses can include commercial, residential, industrial, etc. These zoning districts benefit the community by establishing design/development standards for land uses.

If you are unsure if your business location is zoned for your business, please contact Planning & Zoning at (623) 930-2800.

A Home Occupation (Home-Based Business), as defined by the Glendale Zoning Ordinance, is any occupation or profession conducted from a principal residence in a residential zoning district, as an accessory use. All Home Occupations are required to obtain and maintain a Business License with the City of Glendale. Home Occupations are further described in Section 7.304 of the Zoning Ordinance (attached).

A Conditional Use Permit may be required for your home-based business. For more information please review the Home Occupation requirements here.  If you would like more information please contact Planning & Zoning at (623) 930-2800.

As part of the license approval process, the fire department verifies the business location has a current (within 365 days) passing fire/life safety inspection conducted by the City of Glendale Fire Department. If you are unsure if your business has a current fire/life safety inspection, please contact the Fire Department at (623) 930-4400 or visit their webpage here.

Along with Building Safety Department, the Fire Department will also verify if the business location has a Certificate of Occupancy and building permits have been closed.