Cary is the place
for businesses of all sizes, from international corporations to the
smallest start-ups. We want your business opening to go as smoothly
as possible.
If you’re unfamiliar with Town procedures, we’ll guide you through getting the appropriate permits and approvals. Below find information to point you in the right direction.
Before Buying Property or Signing a Lease
Request zoning verification to ensure that a lot or building meets Town requirements and that it is zoned for how you intend to use it. ($100 fee; allow 2 weeks)
Although we don’t require them, zoning verification inspections alert you to things that don’t meet the approved plan for the site such as landscaping, parking or exterior building colors.
Contact – Planning Department at (919) 462-3885
Locating in a New or Renovated Building
You’ll need site plan approval to build or to make exterior changes to the property. Changes include landscaping, parking, lighting, building colors, etc. A site plan is required before any construction.
Contact –
Plan
Review and Design (Planning Department) at (919) 319-4583
After getting site plan approval (when required), obtain a
building permit to begin construction or renovation, inside or outside.
Contact – Inspections & Permits Department at (919) 469-4340
Locating in an Existing Building with No Changes to the Property
We require that a building inspector and a fire inspector check over the space before opening. These certificate of occupancy “walk-through” inspections are required whenever there is a change in tenant or occupant. ($50 fee)
What we’ll need before scheduling an inspection:
• A building
permit application (fill out and return with four copies)
• A floor plan (drawn to scale showing walls, bathrooms, doorways,
etc.,)
Contact - Inspections & Permits Department at (919) 469-4340
Locating a Business in Your Home
Our Home Occupations Ordinance governs businesses operated in residential areas.
Contact – Planning Department at (919) 469-4342
Changing Residential Property into Commercial Property
Converting a house or other residential structure into commercial property may require rezoning.
Contact – Planning Department at (919) 469-4082
Regardless of any zoning changes, you’ll need site plan approval to build or to make exterior changes to the property. These include landscaping, parking, etc. A site plan is required before any construction.
Contact – Plan Review and Design (Planning Department) at (919) 319-4583
After getting site
plan approval (when required), obtain a
building permit to begin construction or renovation, inside or outside.
Some state building code requirements are more stringent for commercial
property than those for homes. Examples include:
• Handicapped access for bathrooms
• Weight-bearing limits of floors
• Width of hallways and corridors
• Firewalls
Contact – Inspections & Permits Department at (919) 469-4340
Privilege (Business) License
Unless specifically
exempt under state law, the Town of Cary requires a
privilege (business) license for anyone who:
• Maintains a business location within Cary limits or
• Solicits business within Cary (specifically or through agents)
or
• Picks up or delivers goods or services within Cary
Contact – Finance Department at (919) 460-4952
The N.C. Business ServiCenter has details on state licenses, permits and regulatory requirements. (North Carolina has no single business license covering all requirements.)
Signs
A temporary sign permit covers “now open” banners and other signs that in most cases remain up for no more than 30 days.
A sign permit is required before you install permanent signs.
Uniform sign plans set parameters for the size, location and design of signs on property constructed or managed as a single development. See the project list to learn whether a sign plan exists for your location. Call us if you don’t see it on the list.
Contact – Planning Department at (919) 469-3885 (temporary signs)
Contact – Planning Department at (919) 469-4342 (other signs)
Miscellaneous Town of Cary Requirements
Businesses that serve wine or beer need a permit from the Town of Cary. They must receive a state Alcoholic Beverage Control permit before applying for the Town permit.
Contact (Town) – Finance Department at (919) 460-4952
Contact (State) – Business License Information Office
Water & Sewer Service
See how to obtain water and sewer service with the Town of Cary.
Contact – Finance Department at (919) 469-4050
Garbage Collection
In addition to water and sewer service, we provide once-a-week collection to small businesses whose garbage:
• Will fit
into four 32-gallon cans
• Is similar to general household waste with no special disposal
requirements
We also collect flattened corrugated cardboard from these businesses.
Contact – Public Works & Utilities Department at (919) 469-4090
Other Utilities
Electricity, gas, telephone and cable TV
County, State & Federal Requirements
See an overview and contacts for licenses and permits, business name registration, tax listing, etc.
Resources for Small Business
Wake County information for businesses
Small Business Center Network (N.C. Community College System)
N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center
U.S. Small Business Administration