Understanding the Certificate of Occupancy Process for Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Businesses
If you own a medical marijuana business in Oklahoma, you may be facing challenges related to obtaining a certificate of occupancy (COO) from the State Fire Marshal. Many medical marijuana and OB&DD license holders find themselves in a difficult position due to unclear and inconsistent regulations. While the legal landscape has been uncertain, it remains critical to ensure your business stays compliant to maintain your license and continue operations smoothly.
Certificates of occupancy are essential because they confirm that your business premises meet safety standards required by the State Fire Marshal. Without this approval, medical marijuana businesses risk facing penalties or even closure. Understanding the steps involved and available options can help you navigate the process more effectively.
Using Third-Party Services to Speed Up Fire Marshal Approval
The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal has authorized an expedited approval process through certain third-party entities. For instance, if you have been working with an engineer or a specialized firm to create your building plans, they may be able to assist you in submitting your plans through a faster review channel called CSG.
CSG is a California-based company that reviews plans more quickly and communicates more directly than the State Fire Marshal’s office. There is a fee involved—$750 payable to CSG—and you will also be responsible for a per-square-foot charge. Despite these costs, many business owners find this route worthwhile because it reduces waiting times significantly.
How the Expedited Process Can Benefit Your Business
Once your plans are submitted to the State Fire Marshal, they will batch them and send them to CSG for review. CSG then has 10 days to approve the plans and send them back. After approval, the State Fire Marshal schedules an inspection, moving you closer to receiving your certificate of occupancy.
For businesses outside Oklahoma County, Tulsa County, or other areas with local fire marshals, this expedited process can be particularly helpful. It puts you on a more equal footing with businesses in counties that have already met “safe harbor” deadlines, strengthening your position during any state hearings related to your license compliance.
Affordable Consultation for Your Medical Marijuana Compliance Needs
If you have questions about the certificate of occupancy process or other compliance issues related to your Oklahoma medical marijuana business, professional guidance can make a big difference. The team at 420.Law is ready to help you understand your options and work toward solutions that protect your license and business operations.
Contact us today at (918) 932-2879 to schedule an affordable consultation. We’re here to guide you through the complexities of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana regulations and help you stay compliant with the law.