Permits You Will Need All business owners need to have some form of license or permit in order to operate a business legally in the United States. Owners that are caught running a business without having the proper licensure may face serious fines and penalties. Failure to have a business license or permit may require a business owner to pay back taxes and local fees. Unlicensed businesses also face a high risk of lawsuits from customers and possible company shutdown. Even though government agencies issue small business licenses, regular business license requirements vary by city, county, region and state. For details on the different permits and licenses your business may require in order to operate, look below.
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Basic Business License Most states offer a basic business operation license, which is issued by the city that the business is located in. In order to get a basic license for your business, contact your city’s business license department. To run your business in a particular zone, the area must be approved to hold the type of business you are attempting to establish. Upon applying for a basic business license, the city planning or zoning department will ensure that the area is zoned for the purpose of your business and that there are enough parking spaces available.If you operate a business in a zone that is not approved for your particular type of business, you may need to obtain a variance or conditional permit beforehand. To get a variance or conditional business permit, owners must plead their case in a court hearing and present valid reasons why their business would not disrupt the overall area.
Fire Department Permit Businesses such as restaurants usually need to have a fire department permit in order to be open to the public. A fire department permit is necessary when a business that is open to the public has flammable materials. Certain states do not require a business to have a fire department permit. In the event that you do not need a fire department permit in order to operate your business, you may be subjected to periodic inspections to ensure that your business is meeting fire safety regulations. Other businesses that are likely required to meet fire safety regulations include retirement homes, day-care centers and schools.
Federal Licenses Certain types of businesses may require a federal business license in order to operate legally. Businesses that involve activities which must be supervised and regulated by federal agencies include those in the following fields: Agriculture, Aviation, Commercial fishing, Mining and drilling and Nuclear energy.
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Pollution Permits If business services contribute to pollution of any kind, owners may be required to obtain a special permit from the appropriate department. Air and water pollution control permits are available in certain states and may be required if a business burns material, discharges material into the sewers and waterways or utilizes harmful chemicals that produce gas. Depending on what state you reside in, you may be required to get approval before beginning construction on a business that may be a potential environmental hazard. Environmental protection agencies in each state provide detailed information on federal and state business regulations, as well as the necessary permits.