24 Oct Getting a Mayor’s Permit in the Philippines

So perhaps, the country’s inflation woes have finally pushed you to get that dream business into gear, a humble project to help you supplement your income and contribute to the local economy in your own little way.
You ride on the initial excitement of being your own boss, shackling free from a 9 to 6 grind, and dancing on the coffers of your profits.

But then reality taps your shoulder and shows you the cumbersome side of starting a business. It’s littered with documents, permits, fees, and more permits.
Hopefully, after reading this article, we could help you get one of those documents crossed off your checklist.

What is a Mayor’s Permit?

A Mayor’s permit, also known as a Business permit, is a document certifying that a business follows the laws and ordinances of the LGU (local government unit) where it operates. Mayor’s permits are important to regulate safety and promote structure within the business community. Each city and municipality has slight differences in their filing procedures so be sure to check an LGU’s website (if available) or do some research to save time.

Steps to acquiring a Mayor’s permit

Step 1. Before you venture out to your nearest city hall, make sure that you have the following documents first.

a) A Barangay Clearance.
b) A DTI Business Name Certificate if it’s a single proprietor business, or a Certificate of SEC Registration / Articles of Incorporation if you own a company.
c) Public Liability Insurance if your business is either a restaurant, a mall, or a cinema.
d) A Lease Contract or a Tax Declaration if you’re leasing or renting an area.
e) An SSS certification or clearance.
f) A community tax certificate or CEDULA which you can get from your barangay.
g) A sketch of your establishment’s location, including details such as building area in square meters.
h) An ID and an authorization letter from the owner if you’re filing on someone’s behalf.

Step 2. Fill up an application form which you can get from your city hall’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO).

Step 3.  Proceed to the Engineering Department to have you assessed for a building fee. This is where you’ll submit the sketch map of your business establishment.

Step 4. Get a certificate of Electrical Inspection from the Electrical Department. An engineer might visit your area to conduct an inspection with a fee payable to the City treasure of your respective City Hall.

Step 5. Secure a Health and Sanitary permit from the Health and Sanitary Office. Depending on the LGU, your employees might be required to undergo a medical exam.

Step 6. Your next stop will be the Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator to get a zoning clearance. A zoning inspector will inspect your place to check if it complies with local ordinances and the payment will depend on the cost and type of the project.

Step 7. Obtain a fire permit from the Bureau of Fire Protection. They require a zoning clearance before signing your documents (which is why you have to get one first). The BFP also needs to inspect your place before they grant you a fire permit although in some LGU’s, a picture of the place would be enough.

Step 8. Once you’re done with all the required inspections, clearances, and permits, go back to the BPLO to have all your documents verified and pay for all the inspection, service, and sanitation fees. This is also where you’ll have to pay for the business plate.

And congratulations! You’ll get your business plate after 2 to 3 business days to prove that you’re a law-abiding, tax-paying business owner who is ready to kick start your entrepreneurial career. Just remember to allot some time every year to renew your Mayor’s permit. 

Do you have the time to do all these? Don’t worry, focus on your business strategies and marketing plans, Bliink will take care of your Business Registration. We are a team of seasoned professionals who can do the job perfectly for you.