Opening a New Business

All new businesses will need at least one permit from the Town of Chapel Hill. If you’re planning on doing space renovations, putting up exterior signage, or considering outdoor dining, each of these will need a permit. These permits need to be applied for and issued by Town staff before you begin work. Inspections can happen throughout your renovation/upfit depending on the work that’s happening.

Permits You Might Need:

• Business Occupancy Permit: Must have to open a physical location. If you are serving alcohol, you can complete this during your ABC License process detailed under “Selling Alcohol Licenses”.
• Commercial Building Permit: Applicable if you are completing construction, additions, alterations, and/or repairs to a commercial space.
• Sign Permit: For exterior signage
• Trade Work Only Permit: Needed for when you are completing work in a single trade, including HVAC, Water Heater, Generator, Electrical Fixture, Gas Line, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Duct Work, Plumbing Fixture, and/or Water or Sewer Line

All permit applications can be applied through the online portal here.

What You Should Know Before Applying:

• Permit reviews are typically completed within 32 days, sometimes sooner. This timeline is based on the application being submitted with all needed documents and information.
• Once the application is reviewed, staff may ask questions or request additional information in the portal — so be sure to check the portal or look out for email notifications.
• If you have questions beforehand, you can also submit pre-applications to get answers from permitting staff.
• One of the best ways to avoid delays is to schedule a pre-walkthrough with an inspector and someone from the economic development office.

If your business is going to sell alcohol, you will need to get a local, county, and state License. For the full list of ABC permit types, please visit the ABC Commission North Carolina.

Permits You Need:

1. Town of Chapel Hill:
2. Business Occupancy/ABC Inspection/Zoning Compliance Form
3. Needed for the NC ABC License Application
4. Local License Form
5. Orange County: Beverage Licenses | Orange County, NC
6. NC ABC License: How to Apply for a Retail Permit | NC ABCC

Steps to Completing the ABC Permitting Process:

1. Before starting your State Application, make sure to complete your Local Government Forms:
2. Local Opinion Form: Completed by the Chapel Hill Police Department; call 919-968-2760 to schedule. You can also get required fingerprinting completed there.
3. ABC Inspection/Zoning Compliance Form: Completed through Town of Chapel Hill Occupancy Permit. See more details on this process below.
4. Complete All Forms for the NC ABC License Packet and submit by mail or in person.
5. Submit County Beverage License with a copy of North Carolina State ABC License or temporary license.
6. Local License Form can be submitted by mail or in person at Town Hall.

ABC Inspection/Zoning Compliance Form Process:

• If your business already exists, apply for a business occupancy permit and choose ABC Inspection Only as the reason for the request. If your business is new, apply for a business occupancy permit and choose New Business & ABC Inspection. Please note that if you are completing updates to your space, including a food preparation area, you will also need to apply for a commercial building permit.
• Fill out Section A of the COMPLIANCE form and upload it to the attachments of the application.
• SECTION D will be completed online, and the form will be uploaded into the attachments for your further use. Building and Fire (Sections B and C) must be signed with a wet signature at the time of inspections. Applicants must print a paper copy of the form for the Building and Fire inspections.
• Schedule the Building and Fire inspections through the portal or by calling the Permit Center at 919-968-2718.

Environmental Health Permit Applications and Inspections are required for retail food safety – these are done through Orange County. Questions about applications can be submitted via email to ehapplications@orangecountync.gov or by phone at (919) 245-2360.

What You Should Know Before Applying:

• When completing upfits to your space, you should submit a Plan Review Application to Orange County before applying for Town of Chapel Hill permits. This is because Orange County has more detailed requirements that could affect the layout of your food preparation space.
• If you are moving into a space with existing equipment, ask the property owner for information on the equipment. You will need a list of make and model numbers.
• If you are taking over an existing business without changes to the menu, food concept, and the equipment, you can apply for a transitional permit; this must be done before the sale of the business is finalized.

Steps to Completing the Food Safety Permitting Process

• Complete the Plan Review Application
• Completed applications and supporting documentation can be submitted via email to ehapplications@orangecountync.gov
• Transitional Permits are available if you are taking over an existing food establishment in the same location.

Location-specific county permits and state license requirements are mandatory for anyone servicing ink or pigment into skin. This includes aesthetician microblading and permanent makeup. If an artist works in multiple locations, they will need a permit for each.

Steps to Completing the County License Application Process:

• Complete an application. Contact ehapplications@orangecountync.gov for a current application packet.
• Pay an annual fee. Payments may be made on the Portal.
• Pass the inspection.

Training Opportunity: Orange County Environmental Health offers an annual Bloodborne Pathogen class for tattoo artists.