Operating a Business in Dearborn
The City of Dearborn requires that all businesses that are located in the city have a business Certificate of Occupancy (CofO or C/O) from the City before opening. Some businesses are also required to file for a business license with the City before they open for business.
Requirements for Opening or Making Changes to a Business
Businesses must apply for re-occupancy with the City and obtain a newly issued business Certificate of Occupancy if any of the following changes are made to their business operation:
- Name change
- Change in the type of business or use of business
- New owner or change in ownership
- New business location
- Renovations made to the business location
Applying for a Business Certificate of Occupancy
Before opening a business, it is necessary to obtain a business Certificate of Occupancy (CofO or C/O) from the City, which first requires an inspection of the business location. Inspections are scheduled and completed by trained inspectors with the City of Dearborn.
Before an inspection can be scheduled, prospective businesses must submit a Re-Occupancy Application to the Economic Development Department. The application must include both the signature of the building owner and the prospective business owner.
After applying, the application will be reviewed to ensure that the proposed business use and plans are consistent with local and state zoning requirements.
Re-Occupancy ApplicationSubmitting for Re-Occupancy & Scheduling an Inspection
When changes are made to a business model (owner, name, business type or use, location, or renovations to a business location), it is necessary to notify the City of Dearborn by completing a Re-Occupancy Application.
If an application is accepted, the Economic Development Department will contact the prospective business owner on the application to set up an inspection of the business site. The inspection will be scheduled within 10 business days of the application being approved.