Find the Right Location
What to Know Before You Sign a Lease
Before you sign a lease, make sure you can answer these questions:
- What permits does the location currently have?
- Will you need to make any major changes to the location?
- How much will it cost?
When you are looking at a location, you can hire an architect or talk to our free commercial location experts to help you answer these questions. Try to find a location that already has permits for your type of business.
TIP: Even if your location already had a business in it before, it might not have a permit! Sometimes businesses operate without the right permits. You should always double-check their “Certificate of Occupancy” before you sign a lease. This helps avoid expensive upgrades and surprises.
You can use Seattle’s online tool to research the space’s past “occupancy,” like whether it has a permit to be a restaurant or salon. You can find this information in the most recent “Certificate of Occupancy” in permit records.
Example Projects
New Buildings
Ben’s Bread in Phinney Ridge built their bakery and restaurant in a new, empty space. Photo credit: Robert Hutchison Architecture
Remodeling Existing Buildings
The Missing Piece in West Seattle turned an old pharmacy into their gaming café. Whether you’re remodeling or building in a new space, you’ll need a construction permit.
Important Location Features to Consider
- Parking Needs: If you are thinking of changing how the location is used, it might require you to build more parking.
- Shoreline Regulations: If your location is within 200 feet of a shoreline, check if shoreline regulations apply.
- Historic Areas: Find out if the building is a landmark or in a historic district.
- Accessibility: Check whether the location meets accessibility standards, like ramps for wheelchairs.
- Fire and Safety Systems: Research whether the location already has fire alarms and sprinklers if they are required for your type of business. Restaurants need many fire safety features, so it is best to find a location that already has these features.
- Utility Services: Check if there is enough water and electricity service for your needs.
Get Help from the Experts
Contact Local Experts: Talk to your neighborhood business association and hire a broker. They can help you find great available spaces.
City of Seattle Support: Apply for free one-on-one help from local experts to understand requirements.
Negotiate Your Lease
Talk to a designer
Before signing a lease, it’s good to work with a designer or architect. They can help you figure out how long any construction might take and if the location fits your needs and budget.
Talk to a lawyer
It’s important to have a lawyer look over your lease. They will help you understand all the details, so there are no surprises later. They can also help you negotiate good lease terms, like free rent until you open your business.
Get free help
The City of Seattle offers free, one-on-one consulting to help you understand the leasing process. See if you qualify!
Sign Up for Permit Coaching
See if you qualify for Commercial Space Permit Coaching for free help with location research, understanding what repairs or updates might be required to use a location for your business, and help with your building permits.