Business License FAQ's
You’ve Just Purchased a Business License From the Town of Ayer - What Are Some of the Other Questions You Might Have In Starting Your Business?
Can I Get Information From Town Staff about my Project Early In the Process?
With most businesses, once you’ve contacted the Building Official and he has approved your business, and its location, you would then consider contacting:
- Building Department: for Building, Electrical or Plumbing permits if construction is going to take place at your location (Charlie Shultz, Building Commissioner)
- Zoning or Planning Boards: if your location needs a variance or zoning change (Carly Antonellis, Board of Selectmen Office)
- Fire Department: if your business location requires any type of Fire Safety permitting or inspections (Robert Pedrazzi, Fire Chief )
- Department of Public Works: if any construction at your location will affect the Town’s roads, sidewalks, water or sewer infrastructure (Mark Wetzel, DPW Director)
- Office of Economic Development: is able to provide: possible financing for construction or capital investment, networking and marketing contacts, workforce grants and training (Alan Manoian, Director of Economic and Community Development)
- Conservation – Are you locating your business near rivers, lakes or ponds or just a small wetland?
What if my project is larger – a whole new building or a renovation of an existing structure?
There are two types of Development Approval Processes: the Standard Zoning and Permitting Process and Expedited Permitting for Priority Development Sites (PDS is a pre-designated area within Town approved through a Town Meeting vote.
With either of these permitting paths, the Building Official and or the Planning/Zoning Administrative designee can help and guide you with your application.
I’ve heard of a “By-Right” project. What does that mean and how would I know if it applies to me?
If your project fully complies with or within designated allowed uses, dimensional rules, parking requirements and all zoning requirements, you can apply directly for all needed building permits. The Building Official can help you determine if you meet all the necessary requirements and if necessary or warranted can call for an informal and voluntary review with all of the previous mentioned departments (Pre-application Meeting & Project Review)
I’ve Got my business up and running and I find I might want to expand my staff or expand my location. Are there any Finance Programs available?
That’s where the Office of Economic Development can help. The Town of Ayer has established a One-Stop which is an administrative process that can help you apply for local loans and sometime grants as well as monies offered at the State and Federal level. Monies available can be used for construction, purchase of inventory, workforce training, tax increment financing all of which are low or no interest when a loan is involved. The Office of Economic Development can also network with the Town’s local banks or your bank to draft a financial program that would be most useful to you.