Getting a Local Business License and Special Permits

Getting a Local geschftsleben License and Special PermitsGetting a Local Business License and Special PermitsCounties and municipalities often have their own unique requirements for legally establishing a business, and statewide registration rules might apply as well. Starting a new business can be complex enough without worrying that youre missing any of these myriad rules. You need a checklist of whats required, and an understanding of when its required and why. Commonly Required Local Business Licenses and Permits Common requirements of local jurisdictions include Local business license or tax registration certificateFranchise license feeFiling a fictitious name statementSpecial use permitsHealth, safety, or other special certificates or permits You must almost always pay at least a moderate fee to acquire these licenses, certificates, and permits. Many local jurisdictions also place restrictions on the types of businesses you can operate from your home, and whether clients or customers can come to your residence. This isnt permitted at all in some cases and in some localities. Business-Specific Needs Some permits and licenses will be specific to your type of business. Youll find information from a certain department, such as Planning or Zoning Department You might need special permission to open certain types of businesses in particular areas. Contact the zoning board if youre planning to convert a residential property into a commercial enterprise.Building and Safety Department You might need a special permit if youre opening a business outside your home, or running one from home where customers or clients will be on your premises, such as a daycare facility.Construction, Remodeling or Renovation Permits Youll need building permits if youre remodeling an existing storefront or office, or possibly even a space in your home to accommodate your business. This can usually be handled by your planning or zoning department, your building and safety departm ent, or both. Health Department All businesses that serve any type of food or beverage and any type of in-home care service or daycare center will require health inspections. Fitness centers fall into this category as well. The health department also usually tests water quality.Fire and Police Department You might have to pass a fire or other safety inspection if you run a home-based business where youll have employees or clients in your home. Most in-home daycare centers require a fire, safety, and health inspection that must be renewed annually. Police and fire departments are typically the agencies that handle occupancy permits, as well as crowd control issues and other permits that affect how people enter and exit a building. CPR Certification You might need to have CPR certification if you run any type of care-based in-home business. Most fire departments offer CPR training and certification. You can also call a local hospital to find out where you can take a CPR class. Find Your States Business Start-Up Requirements Start by contacting your city hall, or your city or county clerk. You might also try your county tax assessor or local treasurer. State-level websites will often provide you with county and municipal links and tips, as well as broader jurisdictional requirements. Alabama AtlasAlabamaAlaska Alaska Department of CommerceArizona Arizona Department of RevenueArkansas Arkansas.govCalifornia CalGoldColorado MyBizColoradoConnecticut Business Startup ToolDelaware OneStopDistrict of Columbia DC Business CenterFlorida DBPR ansprechbar ServicesGeorgia Georgia.gov Business LicensesHawaii Hawaii Business ExpressIdaho Online ServicesIllinois Department of Commerce Step by Step GuideIndiana Business Owners GuideIowa Iowa Business License Information CenterKansas Kansas Business Center Kentucky One Stop Business PortalLouisiana GeauxBiz.comMaine Local Government PortalMaryland Maryland Business ExpressMassachusetts Starting a New BusinessMichigan State L icense SearchMinnesota Minnesota eLicensingMississippi MississippiBoss Business One Stop ShopMissouri 24/7 MissouriMontana Montana License LookupNebraska Nebraska Licensing DivisionNevada SilverFlume Business PortalNew Hampshire NH Department of Revenue AdministrationNew Jersey State of New Jersey Business PortalNew Mexico New Mexico Economic Development New York New York Business ExpressNorth Carolina Start a BusinessNorth Dakota North Dakota New Business RegistrationOhio Ohio Small Business Development CenterOklahoma Business Licensing Operating RequirementsOregon Oregon Business XpressPennsylvania Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Business RegulationSouth Carolina South Carolina Business One StopSouth Dakota Governors Office of Economic DevelopmentTennessee Tennessee Department of Revenue Texas Texas Secretary of StateUtah Utah Department of CommerceVermont Vermont Secretary of StateVirginia Virginia Business 1neStopWashington Washington State Department of RevenueWest Virginia One Stop Business PortalWisconsin Wisconsin.govWyoming Wyoming Business Council