2 articles
Opening and Expanding
Opening a first site, adding a location or crossing into a new city or county: which permits change, which carry over, and what to file first.
What our records show
Figures from the published records behind this site, last verified 2026-10-15. They update as records are re-checked.
| Permit type | Jurisdictions | Typical fee (middle half) | Median fee | Usual term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General business license | 308 in 51 states | $50–$225 | $100 | not applicable |
| Certificate of occupancy | 203 in 49 states | $75–$232 | $125 | issued once per qualifying occupancy |
| Sign permit | 213 in 50 states | $50–$281 | $100 | one-time, per sign |
| Sales and use tax permit | 57 in 51 states | $20–$50 | $50 | not applicable |
Guides on the same subject
- Opening a second location: what changes, and what does notYour second site is not a copy of your first. Entity registration usually carries over; every premises-bound permit starts again from zero.
- What happens when a permit lapsesMost jurisdictions send no reminder, and many boards can revoke on the expiry date with no grace period. Here is what actually follows.