Start Your Business Checklist



Professional Service
Retail
Restaurants


Existing Space
New Construction
Existing Space
New
Construction
Existing Space
New Construction
Home Based Businesses
Register Your
 Business Name
(make business official)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Copyright
(protect your business name & branding)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Corporate Certificate
(validate your company’s existence)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tax Registration**
(state sales & use tax)
X
X


X


X


X


X


X

Determine Zoning
(zoning map of city, contact ED department with questions)
X


X
X
X
X
X		n/a
Permitted Uses
(section 118-631 to ensure use is allowed by zoning category)
X


X


X


X


X


X


X

Building Permit
(ensure construction or if structural/alterations meet current building codes)
X
X
X
X
X
X		n/a

Certificate of Occupancy
(to formally open your business)
X
X
X
X
X
X		n/a

Zoning Change*
 Application
(If use is not permitted)
X
X
X
X
X
X		n/a

Special Use Permit*
 Application
(If use requires a special use permit)
X
X
X
X
X
X		n/a

Site Plan
 Review Application
(ensure compliance with all appropriate ordinances)		n/a


X

n/a


X

n/a


X

n/a

Plat Application*
(subdivided or Assemble Property)		n/a

Xn/a

Xn/a

Xn/a


Health Permit
(all food establishment)		n/a



n/a

n/a

n/a


X
X		n/a

Liquor License
(all businesses or food establishments that are selling alcohol)		n/a



n/a

n/a

n/a


X
X		n/a

*Requires City Council & P&Z Approval **Does not include other state or federal tax obligations