When starting a business, you need to follow certain local, state and federal laws, including securing the appropriate zoning, permits and licenses.
Our team is here to support you and help guide you through the process.
Creating a Business Plan
Before buying or leasing property, be sure to finalize your business plan, budget, and financial projections. Creation of a marketing strategy and identifying insurance needs is also recommended at this stage. For assistance in preparing a business plan, see the organizations listed in the Resources section of this document. If you are looking for professional assistance with accounting, legal, insurance, real estate, or marketing issues, review the directory of existing businesses in Beloit at www.greaterbeloitchamber.org or www.downtownbeloit.com.
Finding a Location
There are numerous websites available to assist in your search for a building or site.
Start with the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation’s website at www.greaterbeloitworks.com and click on the “Site Selection” tab. Click on “Available Properties” to see properties listed for sale or lease, or “Gateway Business Park” to see vacant land owned by the City and/or GBEDC. If you are interested in downtown properties, try the Downtown Beloit Association’s website at www.downtownbeloit.com under the “Resources” tab. Contact the GBEDC Office for assistance at 608-364-6610.
Before you buy or lease property, inquire about the property’s zoning classification. The City has several zoning districts, and each district has a unique combination of permitted uses, conditional uses, and prohibited uses. Ideally, businesses will be able to find available space in a zoning district that lists the proposed business as a permitted (by-right) use. If the proposed business is a conditional use, a conditional use permit is necessary before the business may operate. Conditional use permit applications are considered by the Plan Commission. Contact the Planning Division at 608-364-6700 with questions about zoning issues.
Securing State Licenses and Permits
Corporate entity registration in Wisconsin is handled through the Department of Financial Institutions (www.wdfi.org). Employers required to carry worker’s compensation insurance can register with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development at www.dwd.wisconsin.gov. Be sure to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue at www.revenue.wi.gov to receive a tax identification number and sales tax number.
Helpful tip: The State of Wisconsin offers a Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal to register with all three of the above-referenced departments (DFI, DWD, and DOR). Professional licensing for certain professions is handled by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services at www.dsps.wi.gov.
Securing City of Beloit and Rock County Licenses and Permits
All businesses within the City of Beloit need a Business Permit. A Business Permit is $100-$200 and applications may be obtained from the Water Resources Division (364-2888). Permit applications can also be found at www.beloitwi.gov under “How do I…Apply for a Permit.”
The following licenses and permits may also be required, depending upon the nature of the business:
Alcoholic Beverage Sales
Operator/Bartender
Outdoor Vending including food trucks
Secondhand Article/Pawn Shop
Sidewalk Café License
Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 608-364-6680 with questions about the above licenses and permits. Note: This list excludes other permits that may be required by Rock County and/or the State of Wisconsin. For example, the Rock Co. Public Health Department (https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/public-health) issues licenses for restaurants, hotels, motels, and other service establishments.
Building, Expanding or Renovating
A Building Permit is required for all new structures, additions, renovations, structural repair, and mechanical system replacement. Once the work is completed and inspected, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. Site Plan Review is required before you may build a new structure, add to an existing structure, construct a new parking lot, or expand an existing parking lot by 25% or more. The Planning Division reviews site plans to ensure that the proposed project meets the standards of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. An approved site plan will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, which will allow you to seek a Building Permit. Architectural Review is required for every new structure, addition, exterior renovation, and sign (excluding residential buildings containing one or two units)
Installing Exterior Signs
The City’s Outdoor Sign Regulations outline different number, size, and height standards in each zoning district. If you are planning to erect a new sign or you plan to change, move, or expand an existing sign, you will need a Sign Permit and an Architectural Review Certificate.
Providing Parking for Customers
Outside of the downtown area, off-street parking and loading spaces are usually required for each business. Off-street parking and loading spaces are not required in the Central Business District. There are several City-owned and maintained lots to support businesses in the downtown area. When a building is constructed, expanded, or the use changes, the off-street parking standards must be met. Parking requirements vary by land use, but the number of spaces required is typically based on the size of the building (in square feet or seating capacity).
Selling Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol sales and/or consumption is only allowed in certain zoning districts. A conditional use permit is required before a business may serve alcohol outdoors. Please contact the Planning Division at 608-364-6700 to inquire about where alcohol sales and/or consumption may occur. An alcohol license, available through the City Clerk’s Office (608-364-6680), is also required before a business may sell alcohol for on- and off-premise consumption.
Resources & Links
City of Beloit Economic Development Department (www.beloitwi.gov)
Site search, incentives, referrals, development agreements, etc.
Downtown Beloit Association (www.downtownbeloit.com)
Marketing, site search, façade grants, special events, etc.
