Building Permits

Building Permits

The steps you need to take

Starting up your business can be a complicated process, involving all kinds of different laws, rules and regulations. Once you’ve chosen the ideal location for your business, you’re going to have to deal with city and state laws that regulate building and licensing codes.

Keep in mind that the specifics for your business will vary depending on the city and state that you’re operating in.

Making your Business Legit

There are some standard steps to legalizing your business location, regardless of your base of operations:

  • Contact the different offices. You may have to be in contact with a number of different government agencies, including building, environment and facilities controls. Make sure that you’ve run the gamut and gotten in contact with all the different agencies, because there is no interoffice communication here!
  • File the applications. There might be several different types of licenses and permits you’ll need to operate in your particular location. This may include anything from zoning considerations to facility requirements such as drainage or air control. You need to make sure you’re aware of all the different regulations that apply to your business and your building, find the appropriate applications and fill them out completely. Some business owners will hire a lawyer to make sure they don’t miss out on any applications and that each is filled out completely.
  • Pay the fees. Check, double check, and then check again! Make sure you’re aware of all the different fees, and their most recent incarnations. Types and amounts of fees can change from year to year, and it’s up to you to make sure that you’re paid up in full.
  • Get everything signed. Most licenses and permits mean nothing without an official signature. When the inspector comes around, everything must be filled out in full or you could find yourself with a whole bunch of unnecessary complications.
  • Display your permits. Most cities and states require that your building and business permits be openly displayed so that both inspectors and customers can easily spot them. Keep all your permits easily accessible, even if you don’t have to display them, in case you ever run into a spot check and are asked to produce them.