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How to Open a Business

The Parma Heights Building and Service Department would like to welcome you to our business community – whether you are an owner of a new business or a new owner of an existing business. 

This guide to opening a business in Parma Heights provides the basic licensing and permit procedures you need to be aware of as you become a new owner of a business within our city.  Please note that in the event of any change of ownership, the new owner must obtain a new Occupancy Permit and a new Commercial License per the Parma Heights Codified Ordinance.  Licenses and permits do not transfer to new owners!

The following are the procedures required:

• Send a letter of intent to the attention of Michelle Teresi, Acting Director of Public Service, 6281 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, Ohio, 44130.  This information is required for correspondence purposes and also if you should need to be contacted by the Police or Fire Department in case of an emergency.  
  Please include:
  1. Your name and the names of any other owners
  2. home address and phone number
  3. type of business
  4. location of business
  5. hours of operation
  6. number of employees
  7. any other information relevant to this new ownership
• Once the letter is received, a representative from the Building Department will contact you.  You may be referred to the Planning Commission.  Planning Commission meetings are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month.  A fee is required for this meeting.  Kathy Walsh, Planning Commission Secretary, can be reached at 440-884-9600 x29 to answer any questions you may have.
• A code update inspection is required for the building or space you are occupying.  Code updates can be scheduled Monday-Thursday between 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.  Should you wish to make any alterations to the building, it is recommended that the Chief Building Official, Assistant Fire Chief and Electrical Inspector be made aware of this at the initial inspection.  They will discuss with you the permit requirements for work being done.
• A final code update may be required pending any code violations or work to be completed before the final approval is given.
• Plans for renovations will be sent out to our Plans Examiner.  A separate fee for plan review will be paid directly to the Plans Examiner.
• Building permits will be required for any work being done.  (see below)  Fees will be determined.  Any contractor working on the job must be registered with the city. 
• Before obtaining any permanent signage, you must obtain a new occupancy permit.  Any signs associated with the business or property must be brought into conformance with our current Sign Code.  No pole signs are allowed.
• Once final code update is approved, you will need to apply for an Occupancy Permit.  The cost for the Occupancy Permit is $250.00 and it is valid for as long as you remain the owner of the business/property.
• Every business must obtain a Commercial License.  The cost is $25.00.  This license must be renewed annually.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  If you have any questions, please call the Building & Service Department at (440) 884-9607, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Our goal is to make your transition into our business community as smooth as possible. 

Procedures for the City of Parma Heights Commercial Building Permits

1. Complete the permit application.
2. Planning CommissionApproval may be required.  If so, make application to appear before the Planning Commission by contacting Kathy Walsh, Secretary to the Planning Commission, at 440 884-9600 x29.
3. Submit three, (3) sets of full drawings (per Ohio Building Code- Ref. OBC Section 106) for the work being done.  These plans must include:
   (A)  Dimensioned site plan and topographic survey (if applicable)
   (B)  Floor Plan including all existing, abutting floor space, diagrams/details of all new foundation, structural, & mechanical work
   (C) Cross-sections indicating all materials & attachments
4. A $100.00 deposit is due when the application is made and will go towards the building permit fee.  Permit fee is $250.00 plus $10.00 per 100 square feet plus 3% tax. Mechanical fees are separate. 
5. Plans will be sent out to the Plans Examiner.  Plan Review Fee will be determined and paid directly to the Plans Examiner.  
6. All contractors working on the job must be registered with the City of Parma Heights.  Registration fee is $100.00.  Also, a Certificate of Insurance (listing Parma Heights as the Certificate Holder) is required along with any State licenses (if applicable).
7. Building Permit and additional permits: electrical, heating and plumbing are all issued at the same time.
8. A $100.00 Building Bond Fee is required.