The County code requires that a zoning certificate of use be obtained for all uses except single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units. A person may not initiate or change a use without obtaining a zoning certificate of use.
Additionally, other County, State, and Federal agencies may require that a zoning certificate of use be issued prior to finalizing certain licenses or certifications. Alcoholic beverage licenses, Multi-family dwelling licenses (MDL), State cosmetology licenses, Childcare licenses, MVA business licenses, towing license, Federal Firearms License (FFL), and other occupational licenses may require a zoning certificate of use be issued by Zoning Enforcement at the licensee’s proposed business location.
Please follow these steps:
- The Land Use Navigator (LUN) is a web based application that allows customers to access and obtain Planning & Zoning services online. Launch the Land Use Navigator to create an account and begin accessing services online.
- Select the “Planning and Zoning” Tab
- Create an Zoning Enforcement application:
- Certificate of use - Commercial Business: This application is for commercial businesses and multiple dwellings.
- Certificate of use - Home Occupation: Home occupations are a conditional use in all residential zoning districts and must comply with the requirements described in Article 18-10-134 of the County Code.
- Certificate of use - Agritourism and Related Uses: This application is for agritourism, farm and agricultural heritage site stays and special events.
- Certificate of use - Transfer: An existing ZCU can be transferred into a different name provided the use is exactly the same and the use remains in conformance with the previously approved plan.
- Complete the ZCU application by filling out the required information and following the instructions.
- Once payment is complete you will be assigned a record number (example: ZCU-2023-00765).
The ZCU is assigned to a Zoning Inspector that will review the application and conduct a site inspection. The inspector will check to verify that the proposed use is permitted in the zoning district, there are no zoning violations present, and if applicable, that a tenant permit has been issued by the Department of Inspections & Permits. Please contact the Permit Center for questions relating to commercial tenant permit application requirements.
Approximately 4 weeks from the time of application until certificate approval. Once approved, the certificate will be emailed to you, therefore it’s important to provide an email address on the ZCU application. If the application cannot be approved you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial and suggesting corrective action.
Yes, you can check the status of the application through the Land Use Navigator system.
No, a zoning certificate of use remains effective so long as the use remains in conformity with the application granted. However, a lot shall be used only in accordance with an approved site development plan. Deviation from the approved plan rescinds the approval of the permit by operation of law. Continued conformance with the approved plan is a prerequisite for the issuance of a zoning certificate of use.
Yes, provided the use is exactly the same and remains in conformance with the previously approved plan the ZCU can be transferred. There is no fee for processing a ZCU transfer application.
No, the certificate of use is property specific and can’t be transferred to a new location.
Yes, once a zoning certificate of use is issued, a Zoning Inspector can sign the MVA authorization form. Please attach a copy of the MVA authorization form in your ZCU application. Note that the review time for ZCU applications is 4 weeks. If applicable a tenant permit must be issued prior to ZCU approval. Please contact the Permit Center for questions relating to commercial tenant permit application requirements.