Certificate of Occupancy (incl. Change of Use): Austin restaurant guide
Austin Development Services
What it is
The City document proving your space may legally be used as a restaurant; issued after final inspections. A change of use needs a new CO.
When a restaurant needs it
Every new restaurant space unless an existing CO already covers restaurant use and nothing changes.
How to apply
New construction/remodels: issued after successful final inspections on the building permit. No-construction changes of use: file a new commercial building application for the change of occupancy.
Documents you’ll need
- Existing CO (request from DSDCertificateofOccupancy@austintexas.gov)
- Final inspection approvals
- Temporary CO request form if stocking early
Good to know
A Temporary CO can let you stock and furnish before the final CO. Since Oct. 1, 2025, change-of-use reviews dropped from 11 disciplines to 3.
Official source
DSD — Certificate of Occupancy · DSD — small business permitting (change of use)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.