| Zoning Permit | |
Usually you only need to get a zoning permit if you are changing the use of a building
or if you are starting a home occupation business. Cities charge a nominal fee for home
occupation permits ($50 is common). However businesses which want to change the existing use
of a building often pay large fees, depending on the complexity of the request.
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| Business License | |
A business license is usually required in any business where you conduct business. The business license fee is often based on number of employees
or total receipts.
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| Business tax/license | |
Most cities require anyone who conducts business in their city to obtain a business
license and pay a business tax each year. The initial business license fee is usually the minimum
business tax plus an administrative fee. In future years, the business tax is based
on gross receipts, number of employees, or other criteria. The exact criteria depends on your type of business and your city's policies.
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| Home occupation permits | |
Home occupation permits are usually issued by the Planning (or Community Development)
Department and are required before you obtain a business license. Business owners must agree to comply
with the city's home occupation restrictions. These generally include:
- No visible sign of the business
- No altering the home
- A space limit for the business (example, 25% of the home)
- No employees
- No large deliveries or significant storage
- Off-site parking for vehicles
- No hazardous materials
- Limitations on what business you can operate (example, no barbershops)
Some cities require that the neighbors approve a home occupation; a few require a home occupation inspection.
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| Sign permit | |
Many cities regulate the size, color, placement and number of signs you can display. This includes
temporary signs or "sandwich boards" placed on the sidewalk. They also require a building permit to install permanent signs.
In general, home businesses cannot have business signs.
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| Other necessary permits | |
If you are making renovations or want to put a planter outside your door, chances are that you'll need a sign or building permit.
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| Fire inspections | |
Commercial buildings are inspected annually by the fire department.
This service is generally free except for restaurants, bars, theaters, and other places of public assembly, which may be charged an annual fire permit. |
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| Handling food | |
If you handle food in any way, you'll need a Health Permit. This is typically issued by the County Environmental Health Department.
Starting a retail food business in Indiana
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| Weights and measures | |
Every device that weighs or measures things that you offer for sale must be certified by
the county for accuracy.
Click here for information about Indiana Weight and Measures Program
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| Parking/delivery permits | |
Cities with parking shortages often require parking permits. Larger cities may require delivery permits which
allow you to park in areas designated for delivery. Contact your city parking or licensing division. |
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| In an unincorporated area? | |
The county regulates zoning, signs and other permits. Usually a business license and business taxes are not required, but you should verify this with your county.
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| Working in multiple cities? | |
Officially, you are required to have a business license in any city where you conduct business.
Often cities have temporary business licenses if you are just doing a one-time job in the city.
In practice, the enforcement of this requirement varies by cities. It is usually strictly enforced for
any business that requires other city permits and for home (door-to-door) solicitors.
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| Questions? | |
Please contact your local city or county. |
