Government

Start a Business

• Determine if the property you’d like to own/operate a business on is zoned for that business activity to occur. Please  click here for information on how to check the zoning of a property and if the use is allowed.

  Please contact the Planning Division of City Development with any questions or help with this topic.

• While not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that a market study and business plan be completed. This will help a prospective owner/operator learn about the costs and challenges and help to determine if the venture will be profitable.

  While this is recommended, the city or its staff members are not able to advise or assist in completing a business plan, market study, or suggest locations for your business. There are organizations and partners who can provide assistance in completing a market study, business plan, or suggest locations. Please  click here to download more information about groups who can assist you on this topic.

• Determine what building permits are necessary for your business. All businesses (even if transferring to a new owner and building use does not change) are required at a minimum to have an occupancy permit from the Building and Inspection Division of City Development. If changes to the building are contemplated, a permit is generally required, including the following types of projects:

  • Signage;
  • Electrical;
  • Plumbing;
  • HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning);
  • Building additions;
  • Renovations/Alterations (interior or exterior makeovers);
  • Fences; and
  • Paving projects.

  Please note, city staff cannot provide guidance or assistance on how to meet the building code. A business owner/operator should consider contacting an architect, engineer, or design professional for assistance. Based on the type of building project(s) being undertaken, a stamped set of plans from a design professional may be required.

  Please contact the  Building and Inspection Division of City Development with any questions or help with this topic.

• Contact the Racine Fire Department related to inspections and plan reviews for fire alarm and fire suppression systems

• If your business involves the sales of food (prepared or prepackaged), the serving of food, hospitality businesses (short term rental, hotels/motels), please contact the Health Department for any questions or further information and to obtain any necessary permits.

• Determine which city issued licenses are necessary for your business. A list of business licenses can be found with the City Clerk, as well as applications. For help or assistance, please contact the  City Clerk/Department of Customer Service.

  Please note this webpage is intended to provide guidance on City of Racine processes and procedures; there may be licenses or permits from County, State, or Federal agencies that are required to operate the business. These permits/licenses do not involve the city and inquiries must be directed to the County, State, or Federal agency. Please check the SBA website for information on State and Federal Permits.

• If you are doing work in the public right-of-way (parkway, sidewalk, or street) a permit will be required. This would include replacing/repairing a sidewalk, driveway approach, seating areas, or installation of other permanent fixtures.

  1. If your project will have a sign in the right-of-way (sandwich board style) or extend over the right-of-way (projecting sign) additional approval will be required. Sandwich board signs require a hold-harmless agreement; projecting signage requires approval for an encroachment and the execution of a hold-harmless agreement. Please reach out to the  Department of Public Works – City Engineer for more information or questions. Applications are available from the  Customer Service Department.

• Finalize the and have approved all work requiring a permit with a final inspection(s) and obtain an occupancy permit. This is often required before other licenses may be issued; failure to have a required license or permit from a city department will result in delays in obtaining your occupancy permit. The occupancy permit ensures that the building is occupiable for the proposed use and your business can open.

• Open the business and operate in accordance with approved permits and licenses. We hope that your business will flourish in the City of Racine!