How to Start A Business In Tontitown

All businesses in Tontitown must obtain a Business License unless your business qualifies for an exemption. To find out if your business must obtain a license, please refer to this link at AmLegal: DO I QUALIFY?

STEP 1: Choose Your Location

When choosing a location to establish your business, you need to consider the zoning and building occupancy requirements in the city. Tontitown has zoning ordinances and regulations that define how you can use your property. This is common in cities, counties and other local governments that adopt zoning plans and set development standards to ensure that land is used for the common good of the community.Zoning laws come into play on all properties, regardless of size. If you are thinking about leasing or buying property, or making improvements to property you already own, make sure you understand the zoning restrictions.before you commit to anything. Additionally, Tontitown has adopted the International Building Code, which governs the use, construction and occupancy of buildings. The city’s Building Official and Code Enforcement Officer can assist you in determining what improvements, if any, are necessary to open your business.

If you are going to be moving into an existing building, you will need to fill out a Change of Occupancy/Use form, which can be found here.

Step 2: Change of Occupancy/Use

Once the Change of Occupancy/Use form is completed, the building inspection department and the fire department will set up a time to perform an inspection of the building. Once the inspection is completed you will be given a list of items to correct or repair.

After all of the corrections or repairs have been completed a final inspection of the building will be performed. Only after this step is complete can you proceed to the next step. You should allow 2-3 business days after requesting an inspection for the inspection to be completed.

Step 3: Additional Applications and Permits

WATER SERVICE:  You can apply for water service with the Public Works Department. The commercial service application can be found here: Commercial Service Application – Online or download a printable PDF at Commercial Service Application – PDF.

All commercial properties will be required to install a backflow prevention assembly, if the building is not already equipped with one. A business license or certificate of occupancy will not be issued until a backflow preventer is installed and tested. If a backflow preventer is already installed, a copy of a certified test report will need to be submitted. For more information on backflow prevention please click here.

SIGN PERMIT:  If you are going to be installing signage for your business you will need to apply for a sign permit. There are strict regulations regarding signage. You should determine your sign needs as early as possible in your application process in order to avoid issues and possible penalties. The online sign application can be found here, or you can download the printable PDF form here.

Step 4: Final Inspection

It will be up to you to notify the city when you are ready for a final inspection. After the final inspection by the building department and the fire department has been completed and approved, and the backflow prevention device has been installed and/or tested, you may apply for a business license.

BUSINESS LICENSE:  Business license applications can be found here.

Step 5: Business License and Certificate of Occupancy

Once the business license has been issued, the final step will be for the building inspection department to issue a Certificate of Occupancy (COO).

The COO will be issued as near as possible to the opening date of the business. You should call for a COO at least two or three days prior to opening the business to receive customers.

After you have completed these steps you will be ready to operate a business in Tontitown. Welcome to the community.

If you have any questions related to the Business License Program, please contact the Administrative Assistant at (479) 361-2700, or email at adminasst@tontitownar.gov.

Step 6: Key lock box systems on commercial and industrial structures within the city limits.

See Ordinance No 2016-07-581, or read the codified Ordinance at American Legal Publishing.

Follow the link below for information on a Knox Box Line for new businesses:

Knox Box Line for new businesses.