Moving your business into a new building is a big step, and a sign of your success. The list of things to do before you sign that new lease or purchase agreement is long.
I'd like to suggest that you add one more item to your list, if it's not already on there. Check in with the City of Carlsbad Fire Department to see if your new space is properly suited to meet the safety needs of your business.
The City of Carlsbad Fire Department is committed to helping local businesses succeed, and has streamlined the local development review process to help increase efficiency. But when a business moves, it occasionally forgets to check with our Fire Prevention staff, who can help save you money by heading off potentially costly remodeling expenses or oversights.
Codes and regulations are determined by the state of California; the City of Carlsbad doesn't always have the discretion to change them. But the City of Carlsbad Fire Department is in a good position to advise you on the best way to satisfy code requirements.
Our Fire Prevention staff has encountered several instances in which business owners have moved into new buildings without realizing that the new space may have been right for the previous tenant, but isn't correctly configured for them. Any new building use may be enough to trigger different safety regulations. Or, new codes may have taken effect since the building last changed uses, which may require changes in the physical plant.
For example, a building may be perfectly suited as a retail outlet, but not as a restaurant, which has different requirements for sprinklers, ventilation, occupancy, exits and other safety needs. A building that worked well as a warehouse may not work so well as a new gym. And, without some remodeling, a former commercial office most likely won't meet the safety codes for a new manufacturing building.
I don't mean to suggest that you shouldn't take on these challenges. What I'm suggesting is that if you or your broker were to visit the City of Carlsbad Fire Department before you sign your lease or purchase agreement and learn what improvements are necessary, you would be in a much more advantageous position when you negotiate terms of your lease or purchase.
We recently received a visit from a manufacturer who was looking at space for an expansion. During the search, we were able to help them understand expenses associated with the buildings they were considering, which enabled them to choose the most cost efficient location.
If you have any questions about developing, expanding or relocating your business, visit the development services counter at the Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. And to reach a City of Carlsbad Fire Prevention specialist, contact us at 760-931-2141, or [email protected].
I'd like to suggest that you add one more item to your list, if it's not already on there. Check in with the City of Carlsbad Fire Department to see if your new space is properly suited to meet the safety needs of your business.
The City of Carlsbad Fire Department is committed to helping local businesses succeed, and has streamlined the local development review process to help increase efficiency. But when a business moves, it occasionally forgets to check with our Fire Prevention staff, who can help save you money by heading off potentially costly remodeling expenses or oversights.
Codes and regulations are determined by the state of California; the City of Carlsbad doesn't always have the discretion to change them. But the City of Carlsbad Fire Department is in a good position to advise you on the best way to satisfy code requirements.
Our Fire Prevention staff has encountered several instances in which business owners have moved into new buildings without realizing that the new space may have been right for the previous tenant, but isn't correctly configured for them. Any new building use may be enough to trigger different safety regulations. Or, new codes may have taken effect since the building last changed uses, which may require changes in the physical plant.
For example, a building may be perfectly suited as a retail outlet, but not as a restaurant, which has different requirements for sprinklers, ventilation, occupancy, exits and other safety needs. A building that worked well as a warehouse may not work so well as a new gym. And, without some remodeling, a former commercial office most likely won't meet the safety codes for a new manufacturing building.
I don't mean to suggest that you shouldn't take on these challenges. What I'm suggesting is that if you or your broker were to visit the City of Carlsbad Fire Department before you sign your lease or purchase agreement and learn what improvements are necessary, you would be in a much more advantageous position when you negotiate terms of your lease or purchase.
We recently received a visit from a manufacturer who was looking at space for an expansion. During the search, we were able to help them understand expenses associated with the buildings they were considering, which enabled them to choose the most cost efficient location.
If you have any questions about developing, expanding or relocating your business, visit the development services counter at the Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. And to reach a City of Carlsbad Fire Prevention specialist, contact us at 760-931-2141, or [email protected].