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Many commercial projects require approval from the city before a business may begin operation. These approvals often include a Certificate of Use (COU), Change of Use approval, or Converting Use permit.
Three-dimensional renderings are visual representations of a proposed design. They allow clients, contractors, and review boards to better understand the scale, layout, and appearance of a project before construction begins.
Proper documentation is required before construction may begin. Permit drawings must demonstrate compliance with zoning regulations, occupancy classifications, life safety requirements, and the Florida Building Code.
First, let’s talk about what a C.O.U is and why the city wants your business to have one. C.O.U. is short for “certificate of use. Not to be confused with a “change of use” or a “certificate of occupancy.”
The purpose of a C.O.U. application is to help the city understand some fundamental things about your business. The city used to ask businesses to obtain a “business license” but have since replaced that requirement with the C.O.U. process.
The C.O.U. process is basically a cursory check the city must make sure that your business:
Before a C.O.U. application can be approved, an occupancy type for the business must be established. If the proposed occupancy matches the last certified occupancy classification group, the C.O.U. process is simple. Often, the proposed use of the building is not the same as the previous use or proper permits for that occupancy were never applied for. When this is the case, a converting use permit is required.
A converting use permit certifies the change of use for the space or building. Florida law requires a Florida licensed design professional to prepare the permit documents to certify that health and safety requirements, per Florida codes, have been met prior to approval of a C.O.U. application.
Most times, work is required to bring the building up to code, such as installation of new exit lighting, A/C ventilation upgrades, mop sink or drinking fountain installation. Drawings may include but are not limited to:
If found to be operating without an approved C.O.U., the city may issue a cease-and-desist order.
The city gives businesses 30 days after a violation is issued to apply for a C.O.U. If the business fails to comply a cease-and-desist order, which may be accompanied by an order to terminate electrical power to the building until all violations have been resolved.
Our experience with John and dealing with the entire team at JAA was nothing short of stellar. My husband and I were opening two businesses in one building, each with a separate identity, vision and purpose…
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We heard of JAA by word of mouth. We met John and immediately felt comfortable with him. He heard what we wanted without telling us it couldn’t happen. Josiah was assigned our drawings…
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