To: Applicants for Certification of Occupancy
An Occupancy inspection is required to ensure health, safety and general welfare of the public and to confirm that the
structure complies with criteria of code for public safety.
An Occupancy permit is required when a new business is opened, ownership change, name change or if an existing business
moves to a different location.
Occupancy inspections are conducted by appointment Monday through Friday. Please call no earlier than 6 business
days after applying (allow time for Zoning approval) at 864-467-5736 for appointment, be prepared to give permit
number ________________, address and name of business as it appears on your application. Calls will be returned
within 24 hours if inspector is not in. If you need power released or transferred please inform the inspector at the
inspection and it will be emailed to Duke Power when inspection has passed.
If the occupancy of a building change, such as residential to business, to ensure usage will be allowed, I.E. Zoning, the
structure should receive a feasibility inspection prior to a lease being signed, structure being purchased or application for
occupancy made. Please call 864-467-4565 for Feasibility appointment.
A $40.00 re-inspection fee is charged if the space is inaccessible or if corrections are not completed in the given time frame.
On new construction or alterations to an existing structure, all sub inspections must be finalized prior to an occupancy
permit being issued.
When fire alarm, sprinkler or automatic extinguishing systems permits have been issued by the Fire Department, all shall
have final inspection approvals before an Occupancy permit can be released.
Occupancy permits shall be applied for before a power release may be called in or temporary occupancy granted. In some
instances an occupancy permit must be approved before a business license is issued.
Install “2A-10BC” rated portable fire extinguisher(s so the travel distance between extinguishers does not exceed 75 feet.
Extinguishers shall be mounted on a bracket or installed in a fire extinguisher cabinet. Current certification tag must be
affixed to the extinguisher. Extinguisher shall not be installed in a restroom or closet. Address numbers shall be displayed in
front of the building and be legible from the opposite side of the street.
When inspecting for electrical safety, the following items are checked:
1. Unused opening
s in panel boxes shall be closed.
2. The working space in front of panel boxes shall be not less than three (3) feet.
3. Extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.
4. Appliances shall have no live parts normally exposed to contact.
When inspecting for building safety, we include:
1. Fire rated tenant separation, if required
2. Exit signs and emergency lighting, if required, shall be operable.
3. Exit door hardware, IE: double cylinder key lock deadbolts on required exits are not allowed.
a. Interior side of lock shall have a thumb latch. Thumb latch deadbolts or safety bars for security purposes
shall have a sign, 1 inch letters “Doors to be unlocked when building is occupied”.
Application must be completed prior to requesting a permit.
City of Greenville Building Department
P.O. Box 2207 Greenville, SC 29602
Phone: (864) 467-4550 Fax: (864) 467-5715