Licenses And Permits Needed To Run A Business

Your city, county and state require business licenses and permits. Depending on the type of business and the products or services that you offer, will way upon what types of licenses and permits are required. Below business license details are further discussed as well as various permits and their reason or purpose for their requirement.

 

Business Licenses

 

A business license is required by your city to research whether or not your specific business is zoned for your location. Many home businesses are not allowed in subdivisions and other neighborhoods due to ordinances that do not allow for a home business. Reasons for this could be additional traffic, or disruption of privacy to your neighbors. Other ordinances do not allow businesses that sell alcohol or specific types of products with adult related content. You have to fill out a license application and pay a small fee through your cities license department. Once this is done your business license should be good for a years time frame. If you want your business to be a part of several cities, than numerous licenses through each city will have to be applied for.

 

Permits

 

Permits are set in place to ensure that you are following all safety guidelines and regulations for yourself, your business and the public. Depending once again on what type of business you run and the products or services offered, will depend upon the permits needed. Below is a list of numerous permits needed for businesses.

 

Various Business Permits

 

* Fire department permit-If your business handles any flammable materials you will be required to carry a fire department permit.

* Air and Water Control Permit- If your business expels any substances into the water via a canal or drainage system or if gases are being release, such as paint fumes the environmental protection agency will require this permit.

* Sign Permit- If your company requires an advertising sign of some type, depending on ordinances in your area you may need a sign permit for specific sing sizes or types such as a lighted sign.

* State Licenses- This is required by the state if any of the items that your company is selling is a taxable good. Then these items must have sales taxes paid for by the business owner.

* Health Department Permit- if your business is selling food items such as a restaurant of a grocery food distribution facility, the health department prior to receiving this permit must inspect you.

 

 

Business type, product, service and location all affect what types of licenses and permits that you will require to run a safe and properly established business. Contacting your local cities license department will be your first step towards business success.