Starting a Business

Starting a Business in Strasburg

Opening a new business is a significant investment of financial and personal resources. New businesses are important to the financial health of the town. We want to assist you through the regulatory process to ensure your business has a positive impact on the community/neighborhood, is safe to occupy, and opens as quickly as possible. 

Typically, small business start-ups utilize existing buildings and do not develop vacant land and construct new buildings.  Therefore, they have limited access to contractors and engineers to answer technical questions.  We encourage you to ask us your questions early and often.  An educated future business owner can better manage expectations and understand the regulatory requirements.

Below is an overview of the various regulatory requirements to open your business. Since each business and its proposed location are unique, it is important to note that this is a general overview, and there will be variations among projects.

Create a Detailed Business Model

It is important to have a clear picture of what your business is and how the aspects of the business will be done.  Let’s look at opening a Deli, for example.

• • Will there be carry out, delivery, and/or dine in options?  This will affect the amount of needed space and access to the building.
  • How will supplies be delivered?  Off-street unloading may be required if deliveries come from a larger vehicle.
  • Is there a need for outdoor storage or outdoor seating?  If these areas do not exist a site plan may be required.
  • What will business signage look like?  The zoning ordinance has very specific regulations on signage to include size, location and lighting.

If you have a clearly defined business model, you will have the answers to most of the question that you will be asked by staff to determine the path forward to opening your business.

Before Purchasing a Building or Signing a Lease

Ask the current building owner or the leasing company to provide information on the current status of the site, building, and tenant space to determine the impact of the existing conditions on the process of opening your business.

• • Zoning – Confirm the existing approved Zoning, and determine that your proposed use is permitted on the site in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.
  • Certificate of Occupancy – Determine the previous occupant and verify that a Zoning Occupancy was issued.
• Existing Zoning Violations – Determine if the property has an open violation that may impact your business.
• Additional Requirements – If the prospective property is within the Historic District there are guidelines for alterations, signage, lighting.

If the current building owner or leasing agent cannot provide any or all of the above information, contact the Planning and Zoning Office.

Business Licensing

Strasburg requires a Business License. Typically, the business license is submitted with the Zoning Occupancy Application and is issued after the Occupancy Permit is issued.

Planning/Zoning Approval

• Home Office/Business - If you are starting a business from your home without employees or customers coming to your home, you must obtain a home occupation permit.
• Existing Building - Please contact or visit the Planning and Zoning Office with the property information and your business model. Based on the existing Zoning of the property/building, a determination will be made on the level of Zoning Approval required (i.e. Zoning Approval, Site Plan, Special Use Permit, or Rezoning).
• New Building or Addition - If you are constructing a new building or an addition, an engineer will need to develop a Site Plan for review and approval by the Town. Before the engineer begins the design work, the existing Zoning should be evaluated for the proposed use. Also, the engineer should contact Shenandoah County Community /Development to coordinate stormwater design issues.
• Signage - Identifying your location and advertisement are detrimental for a new business.  Check the signage regulations for the location of your business.  Zoning and Building permits are required for signage.

Building Code Approval

Please contact the Shenandoah County Building Department for requirements related to proposed new structures, additions, alterations of an existing space, and signage. 

Utilities

Electric service is provided by Shenandoah Valley Electric Coop.  Please contact their office to open an account or other electric utility questions.

Water and Sewer service is administered by the town.  To open a new account, please visit Town Hall. 

Trash service can be provided by the town by the use of a standard trash can.  For services that require a greater need, such as a dumpster, you will need to contract with a private contractor.

Other Information

Please go to our Economic Development, Starting a Business page for other important information that can help you get started, open your business and thrive.

Visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission site for information related to registering your company. 

For food services please contact the Virginia Department of Health Lord Fairfax Health District for permit and inspection requirements.