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Groveland
FLORIDA
City
with
Natural
Charm
'
$57.50 FEE
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
Purpose – The City of Groveland believes that before a business can be approved for licensure, the business
should be safe for occupancy and the building or premises should be free of code violations. This
inspection is not comprehensive with regard to assuring compliance with all of the codes, but it is fairly
important to note that the inspection often times uncovers code violations that must be corrected.
Scope – The scope of the inspection deals with Emergency systems such as emergency lighting, fire
extinguishers and exit signs. All of these will be tested to make sure they are in good working order, or will
be inspected to assure they comply with the code. This inspection will also deal with egress and ingress
issues and accessibility issues as they relate to the particular structure. Doors should meet a minimum of
32’’ clear width and have accessible hardware installed, accessible ramps and parking spaces should also be
provided where possible. We would also prefer that at least one accessible toilet room or stall also be
provided. In addition to the items listed above, a general electrical inspection is performed, looking for
general code violations such as: missing plate covers, missing blanks in the electrical panels, circuit marking
in the panel and general unsafe electrical conditions. In addition, the inspector will also be checking for
Back Flow protection devices. This may require the owner of the building to install a back flow device at
the water service. This will require a licensed plumber and a permit as well as a certification of the device.
Procedure – In order for you to obtain a change of occupancy inspection, you must obtain a change of
occupancy permit, which can be applied for at City Hall. You must submit a floor plans showing the layout
of the building and the egress path (s). You must also list any hazardous materials, or list any other materials
that are going to be stored on site. Please allow 24 hours for the plan to be reviewed by the Building
Official. Once the permit is received, you can call for an inspection and make arrangements to have the
business open during normal business hours. The inspector will perform the inspection some time between
8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Special arrangements can be made with the inspector if his or her schedule allows.
You will have to contact the inspector directly to make those arrangements.
Failed Inspections – If the inspection fails, the inspector will make the determination as to whether a permit
is required to correct the violation(s). Since this inspection is a commercial inspection, licensed contractors
will be required to pull permits to correct violations where permits are required, unless you are the owner
and you fall under the exemptions outlined in Florida Statute 489.103.
Passed Inspections – Once the inspection passes, you can apply for your occupational license at City Hall.
You must obtain an occupational license prior to occupying a building and opening it up for business. If
you have any further questions, please feel free to contact my office.City of Groveland
Building Services
156 S Lake Ave
Groveland FL 34736.
352 429-2141 option 2
