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Starting a Small Business: Licensing, Permits and Zoning 

Starting a small business, permits and zoning overview: 

When you're starting a small business, certain licensing, permits and zoning regulations may apply to the business you're planning to operate.  For many businesses it is relatively easy to comply with the related regulations, while other businesses may find it more difficult.  Much of this depends upon the type of business involved, the neighborhood in which you are starting a small business, and the local and state ordinances.  In any case, the burden of compliance will fall upon you and your business.  It is up to you to determine which regulations apply.  Failure to do so can result in unintended penalties, and an interruption in starting a small business, or even having to move or abandon operations. 

Before starting a small business: 

Before starting a small business, contact your city, county or other appropriate regulatory agency for information.  If there is sales-tax involved, make sure to contact the proper authorities to know what your responsibilities are.  If you're involved in a business which renders certain services such as a cosmetologist, barber, investment adviser, insurance agent etc., you may need an occupational license from your state regulatory agency.  If you're anticipating a small business that makes or distributes food, you may need the approval of the local health department.  Child-care services may also require special licensing.  Many states have one-stop permit centers that should be able to answer your questions about licensing, permits or zoning questions.  Check your local telephone listings for such an agency when you begin the process of starting a small business. 

Depending upon the business you choose, you may also need zoning approval when starting a small business from your home.  It is unlikely that you will need any zoning approval for just operating a simple office from one of your spare rooms.  However, if you are setting up an assembly line to manufacture pottery that requires baking ovens, conveyors and things like that, you should make sure that you're not in violation of any zoning regulations in your area.  Obviously, some commonsense may be required to keep you out of trouble.  Also, if your business will possibly annoy your neighbors or be detrimental to your neighborhood, you need to thoroughly check out your local zoning requirements.  If large trucks will be delivering merchandise to your business, you'll need to look at the present traffic patterns in your area, and try to notice whether they will change as a result of your business operations.  Any of these factors may be part of the scenario related to starting a small business in your area, so you need to be very careful. 

Another potential problem to be aware of is the issue of signage.  You may be limited to certain types of signs that you may use on your property.  Use good judgment and also check out the applicable local laws. 

Starting a small business does not have to be a formidable task, but there are many considerations involved. If you have any doubts whatsoever, consult a lawyer, accountant or other professional for advice. If your business seems to require no special licensing, or if you’re confident that you comply with local regulations, then go ahead and move forward in starting a small business. 

Information by Home Business Made Easy by David Hanania 

Web page and Starting Your Own Small Business Course by Paul Susic M.A. Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate CEO/President Susic Psychological Consulting P.C. 

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