Steps to Open a Business

Oro Valley is a great place to open a business and we want to help!

Whether your business is retail or service based, within the restaurant industry, or homebased, we've outlined the steps and included links to the documents you need. If you still need help, please see details below about how you can contact us.

Retail or Service

Step 1.Does the zoning match your type of business?

Determine your zoning here Find My Zoning or call 520-229-4800.

Step 2.Is it a permitted use?

See Zoning Code Chapter 23.3

If not, please contact Economic Development at 520-229-4758 or madler@orovalleyaz.gov

Step 3.What changes will you make to the facility?

Step 4.Apply for an Oro Valley General Business License.

 

Restaurant

Step 1.Does the zoning match your type of business?

 Determine your zoning here Find My Zoning or call 520-229-4800.

Step 2.Is it a permitted use?

  See Zoning Code Chapter 23.3 If not, please contact Economic Development at 520-229-4758 or madler@orovalleyaz.gov

Step 3.Complete the following

 

Home Based

Apply for a Home Occupation License    

 

Please see Available Sites & Buildings or 

Contact us via email or phone at 520-229-4758.

 

 

Advertising is vital to success! Code allows for many types of signage including permanent signs (wall, monument, etc.), temporary signs (construction, flag poles, model homes, etc.), A-Frame, window signs and banners. A packet titled "Sign Information for Businesses" is available in the right-hand column of this page.

  • All types of signage require a permit. See Sign Permit Information for detailed information and the step-by-step application process.
  • Every commercial development may have their own requirements or a Master Sign Criteria. Please check the blue drop-down box titled Sign Standards for Commercial Developments or check with your landlord/property manager for any requirements exclusive to the development. Sometimes the property may have inherently stricter sign regulations than what is prescribed in the Oro Valley Zoning Code.

Building Permit Applications are processed (not reviewed) “over-the-counter,” while you wait.

Plan review fees are due at the time of permit submittal. Fees are based on the actual cost of construction (estimates are acceptable at this time).

Permit Drawings

In many instances a licensed architect or design professional is required to prepare permit drawings.

Timelines

These are basic guidelines because every project, building site and tenant space is unique. Tenant Improvements are classified by complexity of the plans, occupancy type and previous use.

First and second plan reviews can take from 10 to 20 working days depending on the complexity of the plans, occupancy type and previous use (if applicable) 
Third and subsequent review times are less and vary based on the changes made to the plan set.

Inspections are required and can typically be requested as early as the next working day

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is required for all projects.

Investigative Inspection for C of O (available for small tenant improvements) is typically completed within a week of submitting your application.