New Businesses

Welcome to Jersey City!

Thank you for choosing Jersey City as your business home. We're proud to welcome you to one of the most dynamic and diverse communities in the region. We are committed to supporting your journey every step of the way. This page will provide guidance and resources to support your business vision. 

On this page, you will learn:

- what is required before signing your lease
- how to apply for a certificate of occupancy
- the historic, zoning, and construction permitting process
- required licenses

What to do BEFORE you sign your lease.

Check the Zoning

Is your business allowed to open in the desired location? You can do this by entering the address in the Interactive Zoning Map and reading the code attached. If unsure, apply for a Zoning Determination Letter using the City's permitting portal.

Check for Open Violations

Violations are connected to the property and the responsibility of the property owner to rectify. A certificate of occupancy cannot be issued if not resolved. Check by using the Public Search option on the City's permitting portal. Violations can also be found by requesting an OPRA (Open Public Records Act).



Is the License needed available?

Are you looking to open a liquor store, bar, smoke shop, or class 5 cannabis dispensary? The number of licenses is capped per city code. Please check with the Division of Commerce for availability.  (201) 547 - 5578 | [email protected]

Determine if Construction is needed?
Are you doing any construction in the desired location?  If yes, you will need to apply for the appropriate construction applications and pass inspections before applying for a Certificate of Occupancy.  Learn which construction permit is needed here.

Some work is considered ordinary maintenance and does not require a permit, such as painting and simple equipment replacements. View full list here.
Is the location of your business in a Historic District?
Learn if your business is located in a Historic District by entering your address in the Interactive Zoning Map here.

Historic Approval is required first. Learn about the process here.

Certificate Of Occupancy (CO)


Per City Code, a Certificate of Occupancy is required for new construction, major renovations or changes in building use. It is required to legally operate a business, ensuring location complies with zoning, building, fire, and safety codes.

A CO is attached to the property. To check what CO is on file for a location, fill out an OPRA. (Open Public Records Act Request) This step is recommended before signing the lease to ensure the business owner has all information prior to an official commitment.

All new CO applications are processed through the Jersey City Permit Portal. Determine which application is needed.

Select the appropriate tab below for detailed instructions.

Licensing 

All licenses are submitted online. Each department uses a different portal. If there are questions about the process, please contact the appropriate department.

Licenses managed by Division of Commerce
[email protected] | (201) 547 - 5578
Apply here for the following.

ABC, Auctioneers, Motor Vehicle Repair Shop, Bingo/Raffle, Business Liquidation - 30 Day, Limo Driver, Carnivals/Festivals, Cannabis, Cannabis Taxes, Entertainment Night Club Class 1, Entertainment Night Club Class 2, Entertainment Restaurant Class 1, Entertainment Restaurant Class 2, Exhibition (Theater), Amusement Device Distributer (MAD), Juke Box, Beverage - One Day Special, Parking Lot, Peddlers, Pool Rooms, 2nd Hand Dealer - Class A, 2nd Hand Dealer - Class B, Used Cars, Taxicab Owners, Taxicab Drivers, Third Party Food Delivery, Tire Disposal Permit, Towing Class A, Towing Class B, Spray Paint, Burglar Alarm, Florist, Sidewalk Café/Parklet, Smoke Shop
Licenses managed by the Health Department
(201) 547 - 6800
Apply here for the following.

Animal Care, Kennel, Pet Shop, Animal Shelter, Body Art, Cosmetology, Childcare centers, Dry Cleaners and Laundromats, Mobile Food Vendors, Retail Food Establishments (permanent and temporary), Vending Machines, Dog registration- 1-3 years, Dog registration - 3+ years
Licenses managed by the Department of Infrastructure
[email protected] | (201) 547 - 5021
Apply here for the following.

Dumpster, Sidewalk or Road Opening, Traffic
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H.E.D.C. Support

The Department of Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce, (HEDC) is here to assist you throughout this process. H.E.D.C. Support is available Monday- Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm, via email and phone. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. 


[email protected]
(201) 547-5070


Helpful Links

Jersey City Permit Portal

Division of Zoning

Division of Construction Code

Historic Preservation

Division of Commerce: Licensing

Health Department: Licensing