Certificate of Use License

A Certificate of Use is required for any bar, restaurant, neighborhood market (under 10,000 square feet), drugstore, or smoking establishment in the city of Syracuse. The Certificate of Use ensures the business operates in accordance with the law, does not negatively impact surrounding residential neighborhoods, and does not endanger citizens’ health, safety, and welfare. For more information, see the Business Certificate of Use Ordinance and 2025 Business Certificate of Use Amendment.

Apply for Certificate of Use 

Scroll down for more information including step-by-step instructions for how to apply. 

Who needs to apply?
  The Proprietor or Property Owner of the business must apply.
Requirements:

  • The Certificate of Use is not transferable to a new proprietor, address, or type of business.

  • A City review process must be conducted to approve the Certificate of Use (more information on the review process is listed below).

  • Certificate must be posted conspicuously in a window or door. 
 Fee:
  $500 (Non-refundable)
 Frequency:
  Every two years. Renewal application must be submitted 60 days before certificate expiration.

Steps to Apply

The Certificate of Use Application is on the City’s Online Application Portal. If you require assistance with online access, please visit us in person at the Central Permit Office.

Online

Step 1.What You Need to Apply

  1. Proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage.
  2. Copy of Applicant's Photo Identification: Driver's License, Passport, or equivalent.
  3. Be prepared to provide additional documentation depending on the type of establishment including but not limited to organizational legal documents and state/county certificate, license or permit information.
  4. Provide date-stamped pictures of the outside of the business showing signage and building façade. This could speed up the review of your application (Optional).

Step 2.Access the Application

Click the button below to apply online. If this is your first time using the Online Application Portal, you will need to create an account. Instructions for the portal can be found here.

Step 3.Complete Application

Follow the steps to provide the required information.

Step 4.Submit Payment

Pay by credit card by inputting your credit card information. Credit card fees apply. To pay by check or money order, please visit the Central Permit Office. You can submit your application upon completing an in-person payment.

Step 5.Confirmation

A confirmation message will be sent to the e-mail address associated with your account. Please contact us with any questions.

Apply for Certificate of Use

In Person

Step 1.Visit the Central Permit Office

One Park Place
300 South State Street, 1st Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202

The main entrance is located on the south side of the building, on East Onondaga Street. Parking is available for visitors at the One Park Place Parking Lot, located at 343 East Onondaga Street.

Step 2.Online Access

You may use the computer located at the front kiosk in the Central Permit Office to access the application online. From here, see steps 1 to 5 outlined in the Online Steps to Apply. If you have questions or need assistance, a staff member can help you.

More Information

Application Review Process

The following internal reviews are conducted on the Proprietor and Property Owner:

  •  Criminal Background Checks: For specific types of felony and misdemeanor convictions.
  • Financial Indebtedness to City: To determine if there are unpaid parking tickets, delinquent water bills, delinquent taxes, civil penalties, or other housing judgments or monies due to the City.
  • Required Business Approvals: To ensure all necessary licenses and permits for the business have been obtained.

Inspection Process

When an applicant passes the above internal reviews, the premises will be inspected by City Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention and Zoning to determine if the Proprietor and Property Owner are complying with applicable laws and ordinances. Premises will be inspected during normal business hours. 

Certificate of Use Issued

If internal reviews and inspection of the premises are satisfactory, a Certificate of Use or Conditional Certificate of Use will be issued.

  •  Certificate of Use: All inspections and reviews are satisfactorily completed, and applicable fees paid.
  • Conditional Certificate of Use: The Proprietor or Property Owner signs a notarized statement to meet requirements identified in the review process. This must be submitted to the Director of Code Enforcement and requirements met by the date listed on the Conditional Certificate of Use for the license to be issued.

Certificate of Use Denied

If internal reviews and inspection of premises are not satisfactory the application will be denied, and the applicant notified of the following:

  • The reason(s) for denial.
  • The right to request a hearing withing 15 days of the notice.

Failure to Apply or Renew

Failure to apply for or renew the Certificate of Use can result in business closure and/or civil and criminal penalties. Both the Proprietor and Property Owner of the business are responsible for ensuring the Certificate of Use is obtained. 

 

Failure to Maintain Good Order

Proprietors are expected to comply with all: 

  • Federal and State statutes, rules, and regulations 
  • City of Syracuse local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations
  • Notices, orders, decisions, and determinations by City officials 

Failure to do so will result in points assigned, based on the severity of the violation and conviction. Accumulation of excessive points in a 12 or 24-month period can result in the Certificate of Use being suspended or revoked, business closure, and/or civil and criminal penalties.

Contact Us

Phone

315-448-8474

Email

licensing@syr.gov

Location

One Park Place
300 South State Street, 1st Floor (Entrance on East Onondaga Street)
13202
View Map
Back to top