Are you thinking of starting a new business in Scottsdale, or considering opening a new branch of your existing business? If so, there are a number of regulatory requirements and laws that you need to be aware of, both at the state and city level. While these aren’t onerous, you do have to be aware of them and comply if you want to stay on the good side of the authorities.
First of all, you will need to select a location for your business. Obviously, you will want to choose somewhere that is appropriate – for example, an industrial estate if you are manufacturing, or a retail location if you are selling goods to the general public. However, before you sign up on any lease, you need to verify with the City of Scottsdale that the local zoning laws allow you to operate your type of business in the location that you select. You can do this by contacting Scottsdale’s Planning and Development Services by phone, and the city also offers online digital maps where you can get zoning information.
The next thing you will have to do is to get a license from the City of Scottsdale to operate a business there. If your business is service-oriented, you will need a Business Occupation and Professional License, and if you are selling taxable products, you will need a Transaction Privilege (Sales) and Use Tax license. The City of Scottsdale currently imposes a 1.65% sales tax and 1.45% use tax, which you will be responsible for collecting from your customers. You can apply for these licenses online, and must do so before you open your business. There are also a number of other licenses or permits that you may require, depending on the type of business you want to operate. If you are dealing with one of the larger commercial real estate firms such as DMB Commercial Development, they will be able to provide you with additional guidance on exactly what you will need as far as licensing.
It is also important to note that Scottsdale regulates the signage that you can put up for your business. Before you put up a sign, you will need to complete a sign permit application, and have it approved. This may involve having a site visit for inspection, and you will also have to provide further information about the site and the proposed sign, along with a letter from your landlord indicating that they approve.
At the state level, you may need to have your business licensed as well, depending on the type of business you have and the products or services that you sell. The Arizona Commerce Authority is a good source of licensing information for small businesses – they offer extensive information on their website as well as support by phone. You will also probably need to apply for a state transaction privilege tax license – in other words, a state sales tax license. The current rate is 5.6%, and again you are responsible for collecting this from your customers.