Beyond the Certificate of Occupancy: Understanding ‘Change of Use Permit’ for Your Business
Mr. Wang finally received the ‘Interior Renovation Certificate of Compliance’ for his dream storefront. With its stunning industrial design and perfect layout, everything was set. He promptly applied for his business registration, ready for the grand opening the following week. To his shock, just three days before opening, building inspectors arrived: ‘Mr. Wang, your building’s ‘Certificate of Occupancy’ lists the use as ‘H-2 Residential,’ but you’re operating as a ‘D-5 Commercial Shop.’ This is a ‘violation of use.’ You must cease operations immediately and rectify the situation within the deadline, or face continuous penalties.’Meanwhile, just down the street, Ms. Li’s coffee shop was bustling with customers. She had also rented an old building. However, before starting renovations, her architectural team…