Definitions

A license (or Operating Certificate) is issued by the Code Compliance division of PDS and authorizes the licensee to engage in a certain business or activity subject to certain regulations (e.g. security requirements, recordkeeping, labelling, etc.)

A permit authorizes an activity or development to occur at a certain location based upon land use regulations such as zoning, setbacks, and performance standards (e.g. lighting, landscaping, or noise requirements).Some permit types are ministerial, meaning that they are granted based upon compliance with established standards and do not require approval by a decision-maker.  There are also discretionary permits, which are subject to additional requirements, as well as approval by a decision-maker. Check out the permit types issued by the County.