So I finally got the LLC set up, lease signed, build-out is basically done. Thought I had all my permits lined up, but the city just told me I need an additional "change of occupancy" permit before they'll let me open. Nobody mentioned this at any point. I'm a small retail shop, no construction changes, just moving into an existing space. Do I really need this or did I get someone new on the phone? And any idea how long this generally takes in Indianapolis?
Permits
My Indianapolis LLC needs another permit before I can open the shop
Change of occupancy is a real thing, yeah. It depends on what the previous tenant used the space for vs. what you're doin. If it was already retail, sometimes you're fine. If it was an office or warehouse, they'll want it. Call back and ask specificlaly about the prior use class.
lol @ "someone new on the phone." honestly that's not nothing. the permit people are not always consistent.
We went through this with our bakery. It took about 3 weeks but that was because we needed a fire inspection sign-off too. Did they say anything about inspections? That's usually where the time goes, not the paperwork paperwork itself.
Three weeks?! I was quoted 5-7 business days for a simple one. Now I'm nervous.
Quoted vs actual are two different things, Steve. The clock usually doesn't start until they've accepted the application as complete.
I'd push back gently. Ask them to cite the code section. Half the time it's legitimate, half the time the person is applyin a rule for a different occupancy type. Be polite but get it in writing.
getting anything in writing from the city is its own adventure. good luck with that one.
Kaleidoscope's right though. We asked for the code reference and it turnedd out we didn't need one of the things they initially said. Saved us a couple weeks. Worth the awkward phone call.
Ok so update, I called back and got someone diffeerent who said the prior tenant was listed as "mercantile" and I'm also mercantile, so she thinks I might not need it after all but wants me to email the address. So now I'm waiting on an email reply before I can even submit anything. This is going to be a long month.
filing this whole thread away for when I open my place. thanks for being the guinea pig, copperteapot