Home Business
I am opening an allowable business in my home. Do I need a zoning permit?
Yes.
I am babysitting children in my home for free. Do I need a zoning permit?
No.
I am babysitting children in my home and being paid. Do I need a zoning permit?
Yes. You are operating a business and need a zoning permit.
What if I don't meet the requirements for Home Business?
Then your business is not a Home Business and you should apply for a regular commercial Zoning permit.
Nonconforming Use or Structure
I have a building that has been vacant for more than six months but the kind of use I want to do there isn’t allowed under the Zoning Law. What can I do?
You should discuss this with the Zoning Office to consider possible options.
The Zoning Law says that a nonconforming use cannot start up again if it is discontinued or abandoned for six months (Section 1203(c)). Are there any exceptions such as pending litigation?
Zoning Law doesn’t mention any exceptions.
Is it allowable to substitute or change one nonconforming use for another?
In some cases. You should visit the Zoning Office for more information.
Can I set up new business in a nonconforming structure?
This depends on the type of use and why the structure is nonconforming. Please discuss this with the Zoning Office.
Opening or Moving a Business
I am opening a business in Chalan Kanoa, and a branch in Garapan. My business is permitted in both districts. Do I apply separately and do I pay twice?
A zoning permit and application fee is needed for each location.
I am changing the location of the business to a zoning district that allows my use. Do I pay fee?
You need to apply for a zoning permit and pay a fee if you are opening a business that is new, or moving a business from one location to another.
I am buying an existing business. Do I need zoning permit?
If the company is already registered with Zoning, then you do not need a zoning permit just to transfer ownership or to renew a business license. The Zoning Office can provide you with a clearance form to take to the Business License office.
What do I do when I want to set up a business, such as retail or restaurant, on my own property and the business is not permitted in my area?
You may not open a business that is not permitted. Please visit the Zoning Office to discuss any options.
We are going to rent a space in the XYZ building but the owner is not on island. Can I still submit this application?
If the owner designates an agent, the agent may submit the application on behalf of the owner.
I have a client who is registering a new business on Saipan but she doesn’t yet have a business location and is using my address temporarily. Do I still need to submit a zoning application?
Your client does not need to submit a zoning application if they are only using your address for registration or mailing address purposes. Your client will need to apply for a zoning permit when she starts doing business.
Permits, Processing, Fees
How much is the fee for a Zoning Inquiry or clearance?
$10.
Is it okay to call and follow-up our application?
Yes but please don’t call every day. We will call you as soon as your permit is ready for pickup.
How many days does it take for a permit to be issued?
This depends on our workload and the complexity of the permit. Most permits are issued within 21 days.
Can I pay the zoning fee together with my business license fee?
You can pay at the same location but the payments go to separate accounts.
Do I need to pay separate fee for sign on top of fee for my new business?
You may combine your sign application with another zoning permit application and just pay one fee.
If I designate x as my agent, can x sign the permit on my behalf?
Yes.
Signs / Banners
Can I put a public service sign in the road right-of-way?
The only signs allowed in the right-of-way are “traffic signs” regulating the flow of traffic. A public service sign may be considered to be a traffic sign if approved as such by DPW.
Can I install a sign anywhere on my property or next to the road?
No. You should apply for a sign permit.
Do I need a permit to install banner to advertise event for less than 30 days?
No. You will only need a zoning clearance with requirement to put installation date on your banner.
Temporary Permits
How long is a temporary permit good for?
Temporary permits may be issued for six months.
Subdivision of Land
Does the Zoning Law apply to subdivision of leaseholds?
Yes. See the Commonwealth Zoning Code (2 CMC sec. 7212(b)(1)) and the Saipan Zoning Law (Section 201(a)) and the definition of “Development” in Section 103).
Massage Parlor
The Zoning Law says a massage parlor located in a hotel with more than 20 rooms is not considered as an adult business (Section 103, Definition of “Massage Parlor”). Does the massage parlor have to be inside the hotel?
Yes.