Licenses and Regulations
 Licenses and Permits
Licenses and permits from federal, state and local governments give
individuals, corporations and partnerships the authority to carry on
specific business activities. Many businesses are subject to licensing
by one unit of government or another. Retail shops, taxi and moving
services, theaters, bowling alleys, restaurants, plumbing and electrical
contractors, auction houses and riding academies are just a few of the
many diverse businesses covered by government regulations.
In New York there are 36 State permitting agencies with
over 1,200 permits. For assistance with the full scope of State permitting
requirements, the New York State Governor's
Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR) helps new and expanding business
with New York State permits and licenses. The staff of skilled permit
coordinators, backed by a computerized permit information system, can
give you comprehensive information on all State permits and licenses.
A database of over 1,200 state permits can be found on
GORR's
website.
If your business project is complex and requires the involvement
of several different agencies, the Governor's
Office of Regulatory Reform can identify, consolidate and expedite
permits or licenses.
To speak with a permit coordinator, contact GORR
at PO Box 2107, Albany, NY 12220 or call 518-474-8275 or toll-free (in New York State) 800-342-3464.
In addition, New York State licenses a wide range of occupations.
These licenses usually involve the payment of fees and proof of qualifications
by examination. Many of these licenses are obtained from New York State
Education Department's Office
of the Professions or the New York State Department of State's Division
of Licensing Services.
The
New York State Department of Insurance issues licenses to insurance
agents, brokers, consultants, reinsurance intermediaries, adjusters,
and bail bondsmen.
The New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible
for administration and enforcement of the Environmental Conservation
Law.
The New
York State Environmental Facilities Corporation helps public and
private entities comply with federal and state environmental requirements
The New
York State Office of Children and Family Services can assist you
in starting your own Day Care Center.
The New
York State Banking Department issues licenses to Check Cashing businesses and to Mortgage Brokers.
The New
York State Department of Agriculture & Markets serves agricultural producers. They
promote agriculture through various industry and export development programs.
If you are planning on doing business in New York City,
you should review the following sites as well as log onto the New York
City Government web site below.
New York City offers
"A
Guide to Starting and Growing Your Business in New York City".
Those wanting to open a restaurant in New York City should
read
"New
York City Restaurant Business Guide" which outlines the general
requirements for opening and operating a restaurant.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) issues a "Guide
to DEP Environmental Regulations and Permitting Requirements for Businesses
in New York City". This guide provides information for businesses
in New York City that must comply with local environmental regulations
and permitting requirements including: electroplaters; printers; autobody
shops; dry cleaners; jewelry manufacturers, metal fabricators; woodworkers;
surface coaters.
The U.S. Department of Justice
oversees the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a Federal civil rights
law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday
activities.
BusinessLaw.gov is an online
resource guide designed to provide legal and regulatory information to America’s small
businesses.
IMPORTANT - Make sure you check with your local
and federal government for information on what they require.
For technical assistance contact your local New
York State Small Business Development Center or an Empire
State Development
Entrepreneurial Assistance
Program (1-800-STATE NY).
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