License Requirements
OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE: A Multi-step Process
For information on registration or incorporation of your business in Virginia, you will need to contact:
Virginia State Corporation Commission
PO Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23209
PHONE (804) 371-9733
FAX (804) 371-9118
http://www.virginia.gov
Note: In order to transact business or conduct affairs in Virginia, an Out-of-State or foreign corporation must apply for a “Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Virginia” form the State Corporation Commission. All corporations doing business in Virginia must register annually with the State Corporation Commission and pay a fee.
Partnerships and Limited Partnerships
General partnerships and limited partnerships are formed through legal agreements which comply with the Virginia Code section 50-73.1-73.77. Applications must be filed and recorded through the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The Virginia State Corporation Commission then notifies the Fairfax County Clerk’s
Limited Liability Company
The company must file articles of organization with the State Corporation Commission and pay a filing fee.
Registering Trade Names
All businesses in the State of Virginia that use trade names and all general partnerships should register with the State Corporation Commission’s Registrar of Trademarks to protect that trade name before they transact business in Virginia. (A trade name is the use of any name other than your own for business purposes.) Contact:
State Corporation Commission
Virginia’s Division of Securities & Retail Franchising
P. O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
PHONE Toll Free from Virginia 1-800-552-7945
(804) 371-9051
FAX (804) 371-9911
Franchise & Trademark Registration
Franchises must be registered with the State Corporation Commission before they may be offered or sold in Virginia. Trademarks owned or used in Virginia may be registered by filing an application and a filing fee To register either a franchise or a trademark, contact:
State Corporation Commission
Virginia’s Division of Securities & Retail Franchising
P. O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
PHONE Toll Free from Virginia 1-800-552-7945
(804) 371-9051
FAX (804) 371-9911
Doing Business in the Town of Herndon, Va.
A business license is required of all commercial establishments doing business within the Town corporate limits. The tax rate varies depending on the type of business being performed. Application renewal and payment is due by March 1.
Zoning Regulations
The Town of Herndon's Department of Community Development is responsible for comprehensive land use functions including planning, zoning, the Heritage Preservation Review Board and the Architectural Review Board. Zoning supervises parking requirements and standards, signs, satellite dishes, zoning permits for businesses, site plans and conditional use permits.
The Town of Herndon's Zoning Ordinance regulates the location, type and size of businesses and structures allowed within the Town. To operate a business in the Town of Herndon a Zoning Inspection Permit is required. Existing businesses that have had a change in ownership are also required to obtain a Zoning Inspection Permit.
Rezoning: The Town Council, the Planning Commission and Town staff must review a rezoning. The process entails public hearings. To obtain additional information about changing the zoning designation of your land, please contact the Department of Community Development.
Town of Herndon Department of Community Development
777 Lynn Street, PO Box 427
Herndon, VA 20172
(703) 787-7380
www.town.herndon-va.gov
For more information, or to receive an application for a business license, contact:
Town of Herndon Department of Finance
777 Lynn Street, PO Box 427
Herndon, VA 20172
(703) 435-6810
http://www.town.herndon-va.gov