No two cities do things precisely the same way, but Barbara Millard, who teaches entrepreneurship at Johnson County Community College, has some basic “rules of the road” for business owners who are taking their first steps into City Hall.
Start with the Web // Most cities have websites, and they’re a great place to research general information about permits, licenses and other regulations. The key phrase is general information. That’s why it’s important to …
Call with questions // Nothing beats talking to another human being who can explain exactly how the rules apply to you. You can get great results from simply picking up the phone and asking questions. The vast majority of city workers are very helpful, Millard said.
Get it in writing // If you get conflicting information, ask the city to send you something in writing, even if it’s just an email. That way, you’ll have documentation if there are questions later.
Ask about rules for home businesses // If you have a home-based business, you might not need to seek a city permit—but there might be other rules that your company needs to follow. Ask your municipality about any special requirements.
Remember to renew // Many permits and filings require an annual fee or update. Put reminders in your calendar so you can always stay up to date.
Keep friends’ advice in perspective // A lot of business owners will turn to their fellow entrepreneurs with questions about city regulations. Keep in mind, though, that your business might be a different size or in a different industry, which means you could be covered by different regulations.
