I have my eye on a commercial building for a possible coffee shop but am apprehensive about signing a tenant lease. What should I do?
Contact Planning and Zoning to determine if a coffee shop is permitted at this location and to see if there are any other zoning requirements. Iron out all details with the landlord as to who will be responsible for furnaces, termites, roof leaks, toilets, etc. You should then schedule a Pre Application Conference Committee (PACC) meeting by contacting the Office of Economic Development. In addition, you will have to fill out a Pre-application form prior to the scheduled meeting. When you attend the PACC meeting various departments will be present to discuss your project requirements. In addition, you are required to contact the Health Department concerning food related equipment and their requirements.

Please note: in most cases a food handling establishment will require industrial pretreatment (outdoor in-ground grease interceptor) as determined by the wastewater pretreatment inspector.

Show All Answers

1. If someone is interested in building a new house on a vacant lot recently purchased, which city agencies would be involved in the review process of this permit application?
2. I live in Eastport and want to add a family room and a second floor bedroom to my newly purchased dwelling. What should I do?
3. I have my eye on a commercial building for a possible coffee shop but am apprehensive about signing a tenant lease. What should I do?
4. Can an architect or engineer licensed in Virginia design and certify drawings for a project in Maryland?
5. Can an upper floor over a garage be remodeled to be used as a sewing room?
6. Can an owner add on to their house for their elderly mother-in-law?
7. What is zoning?
8. What are setback requirements for dwellings and storage sheds?
9. What is an administrative adjustment?
10. What is a variance?
11. What does "Critical Areas" under zoning mean?
12. Are temporary signs or banner signs permitted in the City?
13. Are off-site signs permitted?
14. What is a Planned Development?
15. I would like to do some renovations to my house. Are there any programs that can assist me?