Who is responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates, including the certificate of occupancy, for an Apricot Lane franchise?

According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates, including the certificate of occupancy, for their franchised business. The franchised business cannot open until all necessary government permits have been issued.

This means that the franchisee must manage the process of securing all required approvals from local authorities before opening their Apricot Lane store. This includes ensuring that the construction and build-out of the store comply with all applicable codes and regulations. It also involves coordinating with contractors and government agencies to obtain the necessary inspections and documentation.

While Apricot Lane provides support and guidance during the construction and opening process, the ultimate responsibility for compliance and obtaining permits rests with the franchisee. This is a common arrangement in franchising, as the franchisee is typically the party most familiar with local regulations and best positioned to manage the permitting process. Franchisees should factor in the time and cost associated with obtaining these permits when planning their store opening.