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1. How do I open for business?

In order to move into a commercial space in Shaker Heights, you must have a Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit). Learn more at our Business License page. Additional information and resources can be found in the Opening a Business section of the website.

2. How do I obtain a food license?

Food licenses are issued through the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBOH). You are responsible for obtaining this license. Visit the CCBOH website for information about the food licensing process.

3. How do I build out a commercial space?

View our guide to Opening a Business for detailed information.

4. Can I open my business without a Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit)?

No. A business must have a fully executed Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit) before moving into a commercial building. If you are not the property owner, it will be necessary to work with the property owner on the completion of the application.

5. Does a Businesss License (Commercial Occupancy Permit) expire?

Yes. The Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit)  must be renewed every two years. Learn more at our Business License page.

6. If there is more than one business in a building, do all of the businesses need separate business licenses (commercial occupancy permits)?

Yes. A Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit) is required for all businesses, even if the primary business in the building already has one.

7. On the business license application, there is a question about whether the business sells or distributes “tobacco products”. What products are considered “tobacco products”?

“Tobacco product” means any product that is made from tobacco or derived from tobacco or that contains nicotine, whether natural or synthetic, that is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, snorted, sniffed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled or ingested by any other means, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-liquids, cigars, little cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, or snus. “Tobacco Product” also means electronic devices, including any device that can be used to deliver aerosolized or vaporized nicotine or any other substance to the person inhaling from the device including, but not limited to, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vapor products, or ehookahs. “Tobacco Product” includes any component part, or accessory used in the consumption of tobacco products, whether or not it contains nicotine including, but not limited to, filters, cartridges, pods, pens, rolling papers, or pipes. “Tobacco Product” does not include any of the following:

(1)   Any product that is a “drug” as that term is defined in 21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1);

(2)   Any product that is a “device” as that term is defined in 21 U.S.C. 321(h); or

(3)   Any product that is a “combination product” as described in 21 U.S.C. 353(g)