A Use & Occupancy Certificate is required for the space to be used prior to opening any business in Montgomery County. The purpose of this certificate is to document that the use is permitted, and that all applicable safety code and health code requirements have been met.

• If the use of the space has not changed (e. g., a business office moves out and another business office moves in), there may be a Use & Occupancy Certificate on file in our office, and a new use an occupancy certificate is not required.
• If the use or dimensions of the space have changed, a new Use & Occupancy Certificate is required.

• Submit a completed Use and Occupancy application accompanied by one copy of a site plan showing parking analysis. If the property is located within the parking lot district of Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, or Montgomery Hills, no site plan is needed because these areas are provided with public parking
• For food service establishments, submit a completed Statement of Operations form.
• If the use is permitted by special exception, submit a copy of the current special exception opinion.

• The zoning official must approve your site for the use intended.
• The property must be inspected and approved by the Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance, and by the building, mechanical and electrical inspectors. You must schedule the fire protection and electrical prior to scheduling your building and mechanical inspections. Plesae refer to the  Use and Occupancy Inspections  document for additional information. 
• To schedule your Use and Occupancy inspections, please call 311.
• If the use is permitted by special exception, a zoning inspection is also required

Copies of certificates can be obtained from DPS by completing a request for information form. If there is no record of a U&O on file you will have to apply for a new certificate.

The certificate is valid until the use of the building or space changes or there is an increase or decrease in the floor area used.