Business Use Certificate of Occupancy
The Business Use Certificate of Occupancy (BUCO) program requires every new business in New Hope to register with the city and arrange for an inspection of their facility before it opens for business. This inspection ensures that building in which the business operates is safe, appropriately equipped, and meets building and fire code requirements for the type of operation planned.
In the past, many new businesses moved into New Hope without the knowledge of city staff. New business owners sometimes did not have a complete understanding of all of the fire safety and building code requirements that applied to their type of business in New Hope and, consequently, failed to comply with some of those requirements. The BUCO program helps prevent potential fire safety and building code problems by working with building and fire inspectors to resolve any code issues prior to opening. By proactively addressing building code and fire hazards, the BUCO program helps ensure the safety of employees of local businesses and the surrounding community and protects the investment of commercial and industrial property owners.
The process begins when a new business completes an application that provides the city with basic information about its proposed operation. The $25 fee, which accompanies the application, helps to pay for the program. After reviewing the application, city inspectors advise the new business owner of building code and safety requirements they must comply with. Once a new business owner believes they are in compliance with all code requirements, he or she schedules an appointment with the city and West Metro Fire.
After the inspections have been completed, a business that has met all City Code requirements is issued a Business Use Certificate of Occupancy, and is able to begin operation. If the inspection identifies a few minor issues that need to be resolved, the business may open with a temporary BUCO certificate but must make the required corrections in order to be in full compliance within 15 days. If a business needs more than two inspections, there is $50 charge for each additional inspection. For more information, contact the New Hope Inspection Division at 763-531-5127.
Licensing
A business license, issued through the city, is required for several types of activities or establishments. License applications for the following uses can be found on the city's Licensing page.
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Alarm registration
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Bowling alleys
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Car washes
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Charitable gambling
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Door-to-door solicitation
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Dry cleaning and laundromats
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Farm produce sales (seasonal outdoor sales)
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Fireworks (retail)
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Garbage and refuse collection
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Gasoline station
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Lawn fertilizer application control
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Liquor sales
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Mobile food units (food trucks)
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Pawnbroker, precious metal, or second hand dealer
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Sexually-oriented businesses
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Tattoo establishments
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Therapeutic massage
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Tobacco sales
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Trailer and truck rental
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Video games and pool tables