Business Licensing | Franklin, VA

BusinessLicensing



Opening a business can be a challenging process. Having to compile

numerous documents and information to complete the necessary

applicationsseemcumbersome.Wehavecreatedthesehandytoolsto

assist you in learning more aboutthe licensing process andtoprovide

you with a place where you can access additional resources in a one

stop shop environment. If at any time during this process you find

anythingthatwouldmakethelicensingprocessmorebusinessfriendly

pleaseletusknow.

9 BusinessLicenseQuestionnaire

9 ThinkingofStartingaBusinessinFranklin?

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9 CheckListforBusinessLicense

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9 ContractorsCheckList



We will be happy to meet with you to discuss this process at your

convenience. Once you have reviewed the documents above, a pre‐

application meeting can be scheduled by calling the Commissioner of

TheRevenue’sofficeat(757)562‐8547.

Welookforwardtoservingyouandyourbusiness.

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BUSINESSLICENSE

QUESTIONNAIRE



Thefollowingquestionnairewascreatedtoactasaguideandoverviewoftheprocessthat

wehopewillprepareyouforobtainingaCityofFranklinbusiness‐license.Completingthis

questionnaire will provide you with information and understanding of the business

icensing process. This guide is for your benefit and there is no need to return thisl

formwhenyouapplyforabusinesslicense.



Thefollowingstepswillbeapplicabletothemajorityofbusinesses seeking a business

licensetooperateorconductbusinesswithintheCityofFranklin.Youareurgedtoread

through every question before starting your license

process.Doingsowillhelpusserveyoubetter.Once

youhavecompletedthisexerciseandarereadyfora

moreindepthreviewoftheprocess,orifyouare

readytomakeapplicationpleaserefertothestepby

step guide “Think of Starting a Business in

Franklin”?Asquestionsarise,pleasecontacttheCity

ofFranklinCommissioner of theRevenue’s Business

License office, 207 West Second Avenue (City Hall),

(757)562‐8547toassistyou.



Pleasenotethatsomeprofessionsandcareers

suchasanattorney,daycareproviders,medicaldoctor,cosmetologist/barber,

psychologist,mortician,etc.requireadditional licensureorcertification.SeeState

ofVirginiaLicensing‐‐VirginiaDept.ofBusinessAssistancewebsite‐‐(Seealso:Virginia

RegulatoryTownhall)



(PleasecheckwiththespecificdepartmentoftheStateofVirginiainwhichyourareaof

expertisemaybehandled.Alistofthosedepartmentsmaybefoundinthe“bluepages”ofthe

telephonedirectory.Also,thestatechapterofyourProfessionalAssociationmaybeableto

assistyouregardingtheseadditionalrequirements).



Someotherprofessionalsorbusinessoperationsneedtomeetotherspecialized

requirementssuchaspeddlers,farmers’marketvendorsetc.,aspartoftheirbusiness

operations.Asyouhavequestions,pleasecontacttheCityofFranklin’sCommissionerof

theRevenue’sBusinessLicenseofficeat(757)562‐8547.

“TheCityofFranklinencourages

businessdevelopmentasoneof

themanywaystostimulateand

boostoureconomicviability”



DonaldE.Goodwin,CBO,CFM

Directoro

Communit

Develo

ment



Welookforwardtoservingyouduringthisprocessandinthefuture.

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1.WillyourbusinessaddressbelocatedwithinthecitylimitsoftheCityofFranklin?or,Willyouconduct

businesswithinthecitylimits?



___Yes,Iwillconductbusinesswithinthecitylimits‐goto#2

__No,thenyoudonotneedaCityofFranklinBusinessLicense.



2.Doyouneedtoknowifyourbusinessiszonedtoconductyourtypeofbusinessatyourproposed

businesslocationor,doyouneedtoknowifthepro pertyorspaceyouareabouttorentwillpassbuilding

andfirecoderequirements?



___Yes,contactCityofFranklinDepartmentofCommunityDevelopment,207WestSecondAvenue(CityHall),

(757)562‐8580.

___No,continueto#3.



3.Areyoulookingforavailablepropertyorbuildingtoconductyourbusiness?



___Yes,contactFranklinSouthamptonEconomicDevelopment,Inc

.601NorthMechanicStreet,Suite300(757)

562‐1958,ortheDowntownBusinessAssociation

,(757)562‐6900forinformationonavailableproperty.

__No,continueto#4.



4.Willyoubeusingasigntoadvertiseyourbusiness?Willyourbusinessoperateoutofyourhome?Will

anybuildingconstructionortenantimprovementsberequiredforyourbusiness?Willtherebeachangein

propertyusefromthepreviousbusinessoccupant?



___Yes,toanyoftheabovefourquestions,contactCityofFranklinDepartmentofCommunityDevelopment,207

estSecondAvenue(CityHall),(757)562‐8580forsigncodecompliance;or,forplanreview,zoningclearance

ancyissuanceinformation.Aftercontact,continueto#5.

andcertificateofoccup

__No,continueto#5.



5. Will your business operate out of your home?

__ Yes, contact Franklin Department of Community Development, 207 West Second Avenue, (757) 562-8580

for information on compliance issues specifically geared to home based businesses. After contact, continue

to #

__No,continueto#6.

ill



6.W yourbusinesssellorservebeer,wineand/orliquor?



___Yes,contactVirginiaDepartmentofAlcoholicBeverageControl

,localoffice–4907WestMercuryBlvd.,

NewportNews,Va.(757)825‐7830forstatelicensing.Oncestatelicensingisreceived,contacttheCityofFranklin

ommissioneroftheRevenue’sBusinessLicenseoffice207WestSecondAvenue(CityHall),(757)562‐8547for

lb .Aftercontact,continueto#7.

loca usinesslicensing

__No,continueto#7.



7.Willyourbusinessinvolvefoodpreparation,tattooormassagefacility,hotelorpublicpool?



___Yes,contactFranklinHealthDepartment

,26022AdministrationCenterDrive,CourtlandVa.23837,(757)653‐

0for rcontact,continueto#8.304 approval.Afte

__No,continueto#8.



8.Willyourbusinessinvolvemanufacturing?



___Yes,contactCityofFranklinCommissioneroftheRevenue’sBusinessLicenseSection207WestSecondAvenue

(CityHall),(757)562‐8547.Aftercontact,continueto#9.



___No,continueto#9.



9.Willyouhavethreeormoreemployeesotherthanyourself?



___Yes,contacttheVirginiaWorkersCompensationCommission

,100DMVDrive,Richmond,VA23230(877)664‐

2566toinquireaboutworkman’scompensationinsurancerequirements.Youmayobtainworkman’s

compensationinsurancefromyourowninsurancecompany.Aftercontact,continueto#10.

__No,continueto#10.



Are



10. youageneralorsubcontractor?



___Yes,contacttheStateBoardforContractors

,3600WestBroadStreet,Richmond,VA23230‐4917(804)367‐

8511forregistration.Aftercontact,continueto#11

___No,continueto#11.



11.WillyourbusinessbeaCorporationoraLimitedLiabilityCompany?or,Isyourbusinessincorporated

orregisteredinanotherstate?



___Yes,contacttheStateCorporationCommission

,P.O.Box1197,Richmond,VA23230(866)722‐2551.After

contact,continueto#12.



___No,continueto#12.



12.DoyouneedFederalInternalRevenueServiceforms,aFederalIDNumberorothertaxinformation?



___Yes,inquirewiththeU.S.InternalRevenueService

,1(800)829‐3676forformsandinstructions.Continueto

#13.

__No,continueto#13.



13.AreyouapplyingforaCityofFranklinBusinessLicensethatwillrequireyoutocollectorpassonthe

taxonretailsales?WillyourequireVirginiaSalesTaxinformation,oneithersalesorusetax?



___Yes,contactVirginiaDepartmentofTaxation

‐VirginiaDepartmentofTaxation3600WestBroadStreet

Richmond,VA23230‐4915(804)367‐8037.Aftercontact,continueto#14.



___No,continueto#14.



14.Willyouuseafictitioustradenameora“doingbusinessas”name?



___Yes,contacttheClerkofCircuitCourtP.O.Box190,CourtlandVa.23837(757)653‐2200torecordthe

name.Aftercontact,continueto#15.



___No,continueto#15.

15.Willyoubeusingpersonalpropertyormachineryandtoolsforbusinesspurposes?



___Yes,contacttheBusinessLicenseSection

oftheCityofFranklinCommissioneroftheRevenue’sOffice,

207WestSecondAvenue(757)562‐8783forinformationconcerningthetaxationofbusinesspersonal

property.Aftercontact,continueto#16.



___No,continueto#16.

6.WheredoIobtainmyBusinessLicense?1



TheappropriateBusinessLicensecanbeissuedthrough theCommissionerofRevenuesoffice. Clickhere

forafree

stcopyoftheBusinessLicenseCheckLi

orcontact:[email protected]

CityofFranklinCommissioneroftheRevenueOffice

207WestSecondAvenue(CityHall)

(757)562‐8547



Asyouhaveseenfromtheaboveinformation,

thetypesoflicensesvarydependinguponyourbusinessactivity.

ContacttheBusinessLicenseSectionofthe

CommissioneroftheRevenue’sOffice(757)5628547

foradditionalinformationandassistance

atanytimeduringthe abovesteps.

Pleaseletusknowifwecanhelp!

Thinking of Starting a business in Franklin?

9 Check out our handy step by step guide!

Once you have completed your review of the BUSINESS LICENSE QUESTIONNAIRE

and wish to

obtain more in depth information on the process, you may use this publication that is designed to

provide information on a wide variety of resources available to new and existing businesses in the

City of Franklin. Information on the responsibilities and regulations governing business in Virginia is

also included. We hope you find this resource helpful. Should you have any suggestions that would

make this guide a better tool for new prospective business owners please contact the Department of

Community Development at 757-562-8580

Step by Step

Step 1: Circuit Court Clerk's Office

If the business will be operated under a name other than that listed on the business license

application, except for Limited Liability company’s or Corporation’s, the applicant may register his/her

Trade or Fictitious Name with the Southampton County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. For a copy of the

form you may contact the clerk’s office at 757-653-2200.

Information Required to Register the Trade or Fictitious Name

1. The trade name;

2. Name and address of the applicant;

3. Physical address of the business operation;

4. Type of business;

5. The entity type (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation);

6. Signature notarized or signed before Deputy Circuit Court Clerk;

1. Submit name registration form to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with a $10 filing fee

plus $2.50 for a certified copy of the registration ($12.50 total). Payment by cash, check

or money order.

Step 2: Department of Community Development Zoning Office

All individuals or organizations wishing to start a business in the City of Franklin must contact the

Zoning Office for a zoning clearance and the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office for the business

license.

The zoning clearance that is issued by the Zoning Office prior to operating a business depends upon

the zoning classification of the property and the business type. (See Zoning Map

)

Home Occupation Permit

A home occupation permit is required for all businesses locating in a residential housing unit. The

applicant is required to complete and sign a Home Occupation Permit Application

certifying that

he/she agrees to comply with all City of Franklin home occupancy permit regulations as set forth by

the Franklin City Code.

Applicant Information Required for a Home Occupation Permit;

1. Property owner information;

2. Type of business;

3. Use and intensity of business;

4. Previous or Current type of business;

5. Location of home occupation;

6. Applicant name, addresses, telephone numbers and other contact information;

NOTE: If the applicant is NOT the property owner, a letter signed by the property owner allowing the

operation of the business on the property must be provided at the time of application.

Occupancy Permits

A Zoning Clearance for occupancy is required for all businesses locating in residential, business or

industrial zones. In addition to the zoning clearance, you may also need to obtain a building permit.

For more information on “When a Building Permit is Required” you may contact the Department of

Community Development at 757-562-8580.

Occupancy A Zoning Clearance is required for businesses locating in new construction.

Change of

Occupancy

A signed affidavit is required for a change of occupancy in an existing building with the

same type of business.

Change of Use &

Occupancy

A Zoning Clearance required for a change of occupancy in an existing building with a

different type of business.

Applicant Information Required for a Zoning Clearance;

1. Owner of property;

2. Type of business;

3. Use and intensity of business;

4. Previous or current type of business;

5. Location of proposed use;

6. Applicant names, addresses, telephone numbers and other contact information;

NOTE: If the applicant is NOT the property owner, a copy of the lease agreement allowing the

operation of the business on the property must be provided at the time of application.

The following applies to both Home Occupations and Occupancy Permits.

The applicant must provide information regarding the TYPE of business to be operated on the

property (examples: professional office, beauty salon, machine shop, restaurant, etc.). Depending

upon the TYPE of business and the facility from which it will be operated, plans and a property

inspection by the Building Official and/or an engineer or architect may be required prior to the

issuance of any permits.

The applicant must provide written information regarding the INTENSITY of the business proposed.

An Informational narrative regarding the day to day activities, hours of operation, expected levels of

traffic, types of machinery involved or any hazardous materials used and any manufacturing

processes proposed at the time of application. Depending upon the INTENSITY of the business and

the condition of the facility from which it will be operated, plans and a property inspection by the

Building Official and/or an engineer or architect may be required prior to the issuance of any permits.

All food-related businesses (service or manufacturing) MUST contact the Franklin Health Department

(757-653-3040) and the US Department of Agriculture, Virginia Beach Office at (757-363-3909)prior

to the application for Occupancy Permits to ensure Health and USDA requirements are met. For

information on water and sewer connections and fees, please contact the Department of Community

Development (757) 562-8580.

State law requires that individuals or organizations in the construction industry may be required to

have a Class A, B or C contractor’s license issued through the Virginia Department of Professional &

Occupational Regulation (www.dpor.virginia.gov) depending upon the type of work performed.

Applicants for Home Occupation or Occupancy Permits must apply in person at the City of Franklin

Department of Community Development. When in doubt, call prior to visiting the Zoning Office to

ensure all application requirements can be met at that time.

Zoning and Building permits issued by the Department of Community Development do require a fee.

All fees must be paid by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are also accepted.

Contact Information

City of Franklin Department of Community Development

207 West Second Avenue

City Hall Building

PO Box 79

Franklin, VA 23851

Phone: 757/562-8580

Fax: 757/562-0870

www.franklinva.com

Step 3: Commissioner of the Revenue

After receiving a Home Occupation or Occupancy Permit from the City of Franklin Zoning Office,

individuals or organizations wishing to start a business must apply for a Business License with the

Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office located on the 1

floor of City Hall 207 West 2

Ave. (757-

562-8547) Please refer to the Business License Check List for more information.

Information Required on Business License Application

1. Federal Employer Identification No. (FEIN) or Social Security No.;

2. Applicant name;

3. Trade name or (DBA);

4. Mailing address;

5. Physical address (location of the business);

6. Type of operation;

7. Telephone numbers ;

8. Contact person ;

9. Estimated gross receipts of the operation for the remaining months in the calendar year. This

will determine the business license fee (see schedule).

Fee Chart

License Type Tax Rate per $100 of Gross Receipts

Public Service 5 cents per $100

Retail Merchants 20 cents per $100

Professional, Financial Services 58 cents per $100

Contracting 15 Cents per $100

Wholesale Merchant $50 for 1

$10,000 + 10 cents per $100 thereafter

Personal/Business Services 30 cents per $100

Farmers’ Market $10 Annually

All business licenses are subject to a fee based upon gross receipts. The City of Franklin Treasurer

accepts cash, checks or money orders for the payment of business license fees. Credit cards are also

accepted.

Step 4: Issuance of Business License

Once the applicant registers their trade or fictitious name with the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office,

the applicant would submit both the Trade Name Registration and Occupancy Permit (Zoning

Clearance) to the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s

Office will issue a Business License after all requirements are met.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office can assist applicants appearing in person with

obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number, completing the Name Registration Form

and with obtaining a Virginia Sales Tax account number.

2. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office provides federal, state and local tax forms to

individuals and businesses.

3. The total processing time when all information above has been gathered (Zoning,

Commissioner of the Revenue and Circuit Court Clerk’s Office) averages 45 – 60 minutes.

4. Please see City of Franklin Code for information on possible penalties for not obtaining proper

permitting or licenses.

Contact Information;

City of Franklin Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office

Brenda Rickman, Commissioner of the Revenue

207 West Second Avenue

City Hall Building

PO Box 79

Franklin, VA 23851

Phone: 757/562-8547

Fax: 757/569-0964

www.franklinva.com



CHECK LIST

CITY OF FRANKLIN BUSINESS LICENSE

The Commissioner of the Revenue must obtain the items below prior to the issuance of a business license.

1. A Registration Certificate from the Clerk’s Office in Southampton County. Please register your

business name first and bring a copy of that certificate with you. Please call 757-653-2200 or visit the

Clerk’s Office at 22350 Main Street Courtland, VA for more information.

2. A Zoning Clearance or approval from the Department of Community Development Office must be

obtained before continuing to the other items. If the proposed use is not consistent with the zoning

district and building regulations a Business License cannot be issued. Please call 757-562-8580 or

visit the Building/Zoning Office at 207 West Second Avenue.

3. A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

Please call the SCC at 804-371-9733. Your attorney usually performs the actual legal work.

4. Names of the Directors of the Corporation: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and

others if appropriate and social security number.

5. Names of Members for Liability Company and social security number.

6. Partnership: Name, address, social security number, phone number of each partner and signature of

each partner on the application.

7. Federal Identification Number or Social Security Number of business.

8. If you are a Retail Merchant you will need a Sales and Use Tax Number that is issued by the

Department of Taxation. The phone number is 804~367~8037. You may visit the web address at

www.tax.virginia.gov. You can also take advantage of the new Live Chat option on the web site.

Please be sure to have the number issued to the City of Franklin and our locality code is 235. A

consolidated number will not be accepted.

9. Copy of State ABC License

if you will be selling alcohol.

10. A copy of your Health Certificate

that is issued by Southampton County Environmental Health if you

are a food establishment. Please call 757-653-3040 for more information.

11. Hairdressers: Copy of State Cosmetology License

12. The Mailing Address

and Location Address of your proposed business in the City.

13. Copy of Lease Agreement

if property is being leased.

14. The (Low) Estimated Gross Receipts

that you believe you will receive from the time you open your

business until December 31

of the first year.

Questions answered @

Commissioner of the Revenue

P O Box 389

Franklin, Virginia 23851

757-562-8547 ~ Fax 757-569-0964

CONTRACTORS CHECK LIST

FOR BUSINESS LICENSE

1. A Registration Certificate

from the Clerk’s Office in Southampton County.

Please register your business name first and bring a copy of that certificate

with you. Please call 757-653-2200 or visit the Clerk’s office at 22350 Main

Street Courtland, Virginia for more information.

2. A Contractor’s Business License Application

from the Department of

Community Development Office must be obtained before continuing to the

other items. If the proposed use is not consistent with the zoning district and

building regulations a business license cannot be issued. Please call 757-562-

8580 or visit the Building/Zoning Office at 207 West Second Avenue

Franklin, VA for more information.

3. State of Virginia Contractor license.

4. Federal ID Number

or Social Security Number.

5. Directors name

(if corporation) Members name (if LLC)

6. Copy of certificate of incorporation

(issued by the State Corporation

Commission)

7. Workers’ Compensation Certification

form completed (Please bring or mail

this from back. State will not accept photo copy of your signature).

8. Sub-Contractors List

– include name, address, phone number and contract

price for each sub-contractor.

9. Contract Price

of job.

10. Address of job site

and owner of site.

Questions answered @

Commissioner of the Revenue

P O Box 389

Franklin, Virginia 23851

757-562-8547 ~ Fax 757-569-0964