Use & Occupancy Permit — Baltimore City (DHCD)
Baltimore requires a Use & Occupancy permit describing the property's use as a restaurant; a new use requires a new U&O permit.
What it is. The Use & Occupancy (U&O) permit certifying the property's approved use. When the use of the property is a business such as a restaurant, tavern, grocery, or deli, a U&O permit is required; if you need to update a U&O permit, you must apply for a new permit describing the new use of the property.
Who issues it. Baltimore City — Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) (City layer).
When you need it. Before occupying the space for the restaurant use / on a change of use.
How to apply. Apply through DHCD e-Permits, describing the new use (add the lessee's details if operating under a business name); pass inspections.
Fees. Per the DHCD schedule — see source (⟢ VERIFY).
What SpoonSeal tracks. The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.
References
- Baltimore City DHCD — Building Permits (Use & Occupancy) — https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/pi/permits — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.