Chardon Business Startup Guide

Welcome to the City of Chardon! If you have made it to this webpage you must be interested in starting a business in the City. We have put together this guide to help you navigate the different processes that need to take place prior to you opening a business. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, do not hesitate to reach out to the City of Chardon Community Development Department at 440-286-2654.

Set Up a Meeting

The City of Chardon Community Development Department is eager to welcome and support your new venture in our community! Contact the Community Development Administrator Steven Yaney to set up an introductory meeting at 440-286-2606 or syaney@chardon.cc .

Zoning Compliance

The most important piece of information with regard to your new business will be its location. The City of Chardon has eleven (11) zoning districts. Each one has its own unique set of rules and regulations with regards to location and type of business that is allowed. Once you have a location in mind, you will need to check the zoning district the property is located in. See our Zoning Map to determine your district:

• “C-2” Chardon Square Mixed Use District

• “C-3” Traditional Commercial District

• “C-4” General Commercial District

• “I-WTTO” Industrial – Wireless Telecommunications Tower Overlay District

• “PUD” Planned Unit Development

• “R-1” Single Family Residence District

• “R-2” Low Density Residence District

• “R-3” Medium Density Residence District

• “R-3CPE” Chardon Park Estates District

• “R-4” High Density Residence District

• “S” Special District

• “PRD” Planned Residential District

One of your first steps should be to contact the City's Planning & Zoning Department at 440-286-2654 to discuss the proposed new use and discuss how it is defined within the Planning & Zoning Code. Zoning compliance for many new businesses can be done administratively by Staff and does not require a public hearing before Planning Commission.

New businesses that require site modifications, additional/new buildings or exterior architectural changes will likely require Planning Commission approval regardless of the proposed use.

Building Code Compliance

A business use being permitted within a specific zoning district does not imply that all buildings in that district can support a given business. You still need to demonstrate compliance with the applicable commercial building and fire codes. In the City of Chardon, the Geauga County Building Department is the review and inspection authority for all structures used for non-residential purposes. Applicants can contact them by phone 440-279-1780 or via email GCBuilding@Geauga.oh.gov .

Due to uncertainties involved in determining building code compliance, applicants are strongly advised to retain an architect to do a walk-through inspection prior to signing or purchasing the building. The inspection allows the architect to determine what improvements may be required to bring the property into compliance with applicable building codes and to provide estimates for the cost of these improvements and the total occupancy that a tenant space or building can support.

Fire Code Compliance

Applicants should contact the Chardon Fire Department at 440-285-4665 or Fire Inspector Ken Pritt, Sr. at kenpritt@chardonfire.com to set up a fire safety inspection before opening for business. Review/approval from the Chardon Fire Department is required for all remodels, new buildings, and Change of Occupancy.

Health Code Compliance and Liquor Permits

The City of Chardon falls under the jurisdiction of the Geauga County Health Department for food service permits. For establishments that require Health Department approval this must be obtained prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. They can be reached at 440-279-1900.

For establishments that intend to sell alcohol they would be required to obtain a liquor permit from the State of Ohio through the Ohio Division of Liquor Control . The City of Chardon has established a Revitalization District through the State of Ohio that allows for additional liquor permits to be obtained in certain locations.

Exterior Building Modifications and Signage

New buildings and exterior modifications to the architectural design of existing buildings is required to be reviewed by the City Architect and Planning Commission. Design guidelines for can be found in Chapter 1155 of the City of Chardon Codified Ordinances .

Signage regulations for the City of Chardon can be found in Chapter 1149 of the City of Chardon Codified Ordinances .

The Planning & Zoning Department is here to help you navigate all requirements! Please reach out to the Community Development Director, Steven Yaney, at 440-286-2606 or via email at syaney@chardon.cc with any questions.

Business Registration & Licenses

Other items that will need to be taken care of prior to operating your business in the City of Chardon may include:

1. Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State

2. If you have employees, register for you Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and check with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation for coverage

3. Register your business with the Ohio Department of Taxation

4. The City of Chardon has a Municipal Income Tax and the proper forms need to be submitted to the Regional Income Tax Authority (R.I.T.A.)

5. The State of Ohio has provided a comprehensive website to break down the licenses and permits you need from the State based on the type of business you operate. Follow the link and go to 'Checklists' and select your industry.

Financial Incentives

The City of Chardon has a Pre-1994 Community Reinvestment Area (CRA). The CRA program is an economic development tool offered by the City to encourage commercial development and residential renovation in specific areas of the City. The CRA provides real estate tax abatements on the increased value of real property improvements within the CRA target area.

 Learn more about the City of Chardon CRA through this handy guide.

RESOURCES

Ohio Small Business Development Center - Ohio Business Start Up Guide

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Guide

Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce

Geauga Growth Partnership

US Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Plan Guide

Ohio Division of Liquor Control

Important Phone Numbers

City of Chardon Community Development 440-286-2654

Geauga County Building Department 440-279-1780

Chardon Fire Department 440-286-4665

Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce 440-285-9050

Geauga Growth Partnership 440-564-1060

Geauga County Health Department 440-279-1900