New Commercial Use in Existing Buildings

Signs for new commercial use

When

A commercial entity wants to establish a new business or industry in an existing structure.

Why

The permitting process for new business occupations is designed to ensure compliance with the Kenosha County General Zoning and Shoreland / Floodplain Zoning Ordinance and that proposed business use is allowable under the zoning classification for the intended property. A certificate of compliance must be issued by Kenosha County prior to receiving a building occupancy permit from your local town building inspector.

How

It is recommended that you meet with county development staff prior to submitting your certificate of compliance application for a commercial occupancy to discuss the basics of your application such as proposed use, sanitation and site plan requirements such as parking, lighting, landscaping and signage.

You must submit your site plan review checklist and certification of compliance application, stake-out survey or site plan, floor plan layout(s) and architectural drawings along with the appropriate fee(s) based on the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development Fee Schedule.

Procedures

Ordinance Requirements

Ordinance requirements vary for addition and expansions, depending on the zoning district classification of the property and the type and proximity of any environmental assets.

Time

You can anticipate that the review of your certificate of compliance application will take approximately one to two weeks dependent on whether the application documents contain all pertinent information in relationship to the requirements for your proposal.