A Certificate of Occupancy, or a C of O, as it is commonly referred to, is an official document that every building must have. The C of O states the type of business or operation that is permitted there. A Certificate is issued by the Department of Housing and Buildings to the owner or agent of any building erected or structurally altered, enlarged, or rebuilt only after all legal construction and renovation work is completed. Any alterations to the space that results in a change of use or egress must be reflected in a new C of O. Apply/search for a permit here https://www.yonkersny.gov/live/real-estate-homes/forms-permits

Yes. When your business becomes a “new tenant”, you are required by the Department of Housing and Buildings to file for a “change of use” permit. A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after all inspections are met.

Probably. If you are simply painting or say changing carpeting, you will not be required to file for a Certificate of Occupancy. However, if you are removing a wall even if it’s a partition wall only, you must file for a building permit. This is also true for installing new shelving, countertops, or any kind of alteration. Universal Building Permit applications are available online at https://www.yonkersny.gov/government/departments/code-enforcement-bureau/permits

Yes. For any new signs, whether it states the old name of the business or not, an application has to be filled with the drawing of the sign showing the dimensions of the proposed sign as well as the wording of the sign. https://www.yonkersny.gov/government/departments/code-enforcement-bureau/posting-of-signs

Yes. An electrical permit is needed to show that the city has received plans and drawings for electrical work on the premises. Once the plans have been approved, a permit will be issued. A final electrical inspection is required once all electrical work on the premises has been completed by a licensed electrician. https://www.yonkersny.gov/government/departments/code-enforcement-bureau/permits