This publication is designed to provide information on a wide variety of resources available to new and existing businesses in the City of Bedford. Information on the responsibilities and regulations governing business in Virginia is also included. We hope you find this resource helpful.

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Step by Step

Step 1: Circuit Court Clerk's Office

If the business will be operated under a name other than that listed on the business license application, the applicant may register his/her Trade or Fictitious Name with the Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

Register the Trade or Fictitious Name – Information Required

1. The trade name
2. Name and address of the applicant
3. Physical address of the business operation
4. Type of business
5. The entity type (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
6. Signature notarized or signed before Deputy Circuit Court Clerk
   1. Submit name registration form to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with $10.00 fee ($12.00 for corporation). Payment by cash, check or money order.
   2. Corporations must also submit an attested copy of the trade name registration form to the State Corporation Commission.

Step 2: Zoning Office

All individuals or organizations wishing to start a business in the City of Bedford must contact the Zoning Office and the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office. The following information is provided to help guide you through the process.

The permit required by the Zoning Office prior to operating a business depends upon the zoning classification of the property and the business type.

Home Occupation Permit
A home occupation permit is required for all businesses locating in residential zoning classifications. The applicant is required to sign a Home Occupation Permit certifying that he/she agrees to comply with all City of Bedford home occupancy permit regulations as set forth by the Bedford City Code.

Applicant Information Required

1. Owner of property
2. Type of business
3. Use and intensity of business
4. Payment of all outstanding real estate taxes
5. Location
6. Name, addresses, telephone numbers and other contact information.

NOTE: If the applicant is NOT the property owner, a letter signed by the property owner allowing the operation of the business on the property must be provided at the time of application.

Occupancy Permits
A zoning permit for occupancy is required for all businesses locating in business or industrial zones. In addition to the zoning permit, the Building Inspections Office may also require a permit.

Applicant Information Required

1. Owner of property
2. Type of business
3. Use and intensity of business
4. Payment of all outstanding real estate taxes
5. Location
6. Names, addresses, telephone numbers and other contact information.

NOTE: If the applicant is NOT the property owner, a copy of the lease agreement allowing the operation of the business on the property must be provided at the time of application.

The following applies to both Home Occupation and Occupancy Permits.

The applicant must provide information regarding the TYPE of business to be operated on the property (examples: professional office, beauty salon, machine shop, restaurant, etc.). Depending upon the TYPE of business and the facility from which it will be operated, a property inspection by the Building Official and/or engineer/architect and plans may be required prior to the issuance of any permits.

The applicant must provide information regarding the INTENSITY of the business proposed. Information regarding the expected levels of traffic, types of machinery involved and manufacturing processes proposed must be provided at the time of application. Depending upon the INTENSITY of the business and the condition of the facility from which it will be operated, a property inspection by the Building Official and/or engineer/architect and plans may be required prior to the issuance of any permits.

All food-related businesses (service or manufacturing) MUST contact the Health Department and the US Department of Agriculture prior to the application of Occupancy Permits to ensure Health and USDA requirements are met. For information on water and sewer connections and fees, please contact the City of Bedford Engineering Department (540/587-6030).

State law requires that individuals or organizations in the construction industry may be required to have a Class A, B or C contractor’s license issued through the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (www.dpor.virginia.gov) depending upon the type of work performed.

Applicants for Home Occupation or Occupancy Permits must apply in person at the City of Bedford Planning & Community Development Office. When in doubt, call prior to visiting the Zoning Office to ensure all application requirements can be met at that time.

Zoning and Building permits issued by the Building Inspections Office do require a fee. All fees must be paid by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are NOT accepted at this time.

Contact Information
City of Bedford Department of Planning & Community Development
215 East Main Street
City Municipal Building
PO Box 807
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: 540/587-6021
Fax : 540/587-6143
www.bedfordva.gov

Step 3: Commissioner of the Revenue

After receiving a Home Occupation or Occupancy Permit from the City of Bedford Zoning Office, individuals or organizations wishing to start a business must apply for a Business License with the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office.

Business License Application – Information Required

1. Federal Employer Identification No. (FEIN) or Social Security No.
2. Applicant name
3. Trade name
4. Mailing address
5. Physical address (location of the business)
6. Type of operation
7. Telephone numbers
8. Contact person
9. Estimate the gross receipts of the operation for the remaining months in the calendar year. This determines the business license fee (see schedule).

The City of Bedford Treasurer accepts cash, checks or money orders for the payment of business license fees. Credit cards are NOT accepted at this time.

Step 4: Issuance of Business License

Once the applicant registers their trade or fictitious name with the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, the applicant would submit both the Trade Name Registration and Occupancy Permit (Zoning) to the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office will issue Business License after all requirements are met.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office can assist applicants appearing in person with obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number, completing the Name Registration Form and with obtaining a Virginia Sales Tax account number.
2. The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office provides federal, state and local tax forms to individuals and businesses.
3. Total process (Zoning, Commissioner of the Revenue and Circuit Court Clerk’s Office) averages 45 – 60 minutes.
4. Please see City of Bedford Code for information on possible penalties for not obtaining proper permitting or licenses.

Contact Information
City of Bedford Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office
Valerie Wilson, Commissioner of the Revenue
215 East Main Street
PO Box 807
Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: 540/587-6051
www.bedfordva.gov

Demographics

Employment by Industry
(Source: Virginia Employment Commission, 4th Quarter 2005)

Permit and License Contacts

Phone and Web Directory