Certificate of Occupancy

Before a commercial or industrial building can be occupied and used, many communities require that Certificate of Occupancy is required. Provided all building and other code requirements have been met and building and zoning requirements are complied with, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by the appropriate authority. In some cases, certificates of occupancy are also required before an occupational license can be issued. Communities that require Certificates of Occupancy include:

Alcoholic Beverages

Before a license to sell alcoholic beverages at any location within a Parish may be issued, a permit must be obtained. Applications and answers to specific questions regarding alcohol/beverage permits and licenses may be obtained from your local police or sheriff department,
www.lsa.org/Louisiana_Sheriffs__Associatio/Sheriffs__Directory/Parish_Name/parish_name.html 

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Food and Beverage Facilities

The Parish Health Unit must review Food and Beverage Handling facilities: contact your local parish Health Department for specific information, www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=223  

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Additional License and Registering Information

STATE

New Business Registration

For information and forms, contact the Louisiana Secretary of State’s First Stop Business Shop. Contact: (225) 925-4704, www.sec.state.la.us/comm/fss/fss-index.htm

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Alcoholic Beverage and/or Tobacco Licenses

Any business selling beer, liquor, soft drinks or tobacco must obtain a state alcoholic beverage and/or tobacco license; the issuing authority is the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation, Office of Alcoholic and Tobacco Beverage Control, Certification Division Contact: (225) (225) 925-4041, www.atc.rev.state.la.us/

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Health Care Facilities Licenses

A license is required by the State of Louisiana before a hospital or nursing home may be opened; the issuing authority is the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, DHH/Health Standards Section. Contact: (225)-342-0138, www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?id=112

Child Day Care Center Licenses

A license is required by the State of Louisiana before a child day care center may be opened; the issuing authority is the Department of Social Services Licensing Bureau. Contact: (225) 922-0015,  www.dss.state.la.us/departments/os/Licensing_.html

Adult Day Care Center and Other Adult Related Services Licenses

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ Bureau of Community Supports and Services currently licenses Adult Day Health Care and Case Management Agencies that provide services for MR/DD Waiver, Elderly/Disabled Adult Waiver, H.I.V. Targeted Population, and Nurse Home Visitation Program. Contact: (800) 660-0488, www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=105

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Environmental Licenses and Permits

A range of licenses and permits are granted to businesses in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations; the issuing authority for most federal and state licenses and permits is the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. For further information on state and federal regulations, permits and licenses, contact the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Permits Division, (225) 219-3181 or the Northwest (Shreveport) regional office, (318) 676-7476. www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/36/Default.aspx

The Department of Environmental Quality also offers a technical assistance program for small businesses. The hotline number is (800) 259 - 2890 or (225) 219-3309. The Northwest (Shreveport) regional office may be contacted at (318) 676-7476, http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/85/Default.aspx

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FEDERAL:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA requires no licenses or permits; however, it does require the display of a poster describing relevant rights and responsibilities. Most employers must keep a log of work-related injuries and illnesses, which must be accessible to employees. Contact: State Office: (225) 298-5458, www.osha.gov 

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA oversees all federal environmental legislation. It also has jurisdiction over the issuance of various permits and licenses, although this jurisdiction does not extend over all states for all environmental matters. To determine whether a particular business enterprise is subject to EPA regulations and whether the EPA or the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is the appropriate licensing authority, Contact: Region 6 Office, (includes Louisiana), (214) 665-6444, www.epa.gov

The EPA also provides toll-free hot lines to provide information on specific legislative acts and requirements. For general information about EPA requirements and about the limits of federal licensing and permitting jurisdiction, visit: www.epa.gov/epahome/hotline.htm

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Red River Construction/Activities

The Caddo-Bossier Port Commission by law is mandated to regulate commerce and traffic on the Red River within the parishes of Caddo and Bossier. Performance under this mandate requires permit procedures for certain types of activities, including: construction and/or dredging affecting navigable waters, passenger and/or marina type activities, and any activity on the Red River requiring permit authority from any Planning Commission or Levee Board within the two parishes. An application must be submitted to the Port Commission contemporaneously with application to other applicable permitting agencies such as the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Commission, Levee Board, and/or U. S. Coast Guard. Approval must be obtained from the appropriate agency/agencies before the Port Commission will make a final determination. Contact: (318) 524-2272, www.portsb.com 

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Wetlands Applications

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for permits involving the waters of the United States. Often a 404 Permit or Wetlands mitigation permit is required in development. All applications or inquiries should be directed to the Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, Shreveport Office, (318) 322-6391, http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/

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The Coordinating and Development Corp.
5210 Hollywood Avenue, P. O. Box 37005
Shreveport, LA 71133-7005
Phone: (318) 632-2022
Fax/TDD: (318) 632-2099
E-mail: info@cdconline.org 

Copyright 2003, The Coordinating and Development Corporation. Redistribution to all others interested in economic development is strongly encouraged. Please cite The Coordinating and Development Corporation whenever portions are reproduced or redirected.