New Business Resources

The City of Lorain would like to share some resources to help you start your business here.

Business Location & Permitting (New Construction/Renovations)

• Location: Finding the right location for your business is essential. The Building, Housing and Planning Department team can help you with your location search. Please contact the Building, Housing and Planning Department at 440-204-2020 with any questions or concerns. 
• Zoning: Confirm the property's zoning classification to make sure your business use is appropriate at your new location. Visit our zoning page for the zoning map and regulations. Zoning determines land and building use, placement, spacing, and size. Zoning provides guidelines for setbacks, height of structures, lot sizes, lot coverage, parking, and other requirements. Zoning also regulates the type of land use permitted on a property.
  • Planning Commission: reviews applications to amend the Zoning Code and map, Conditional Use Permit applications, lot splits, plats of proposed allotments, site development plans, and requests for Mixed-Use Districts and Planned Unit Developments. 
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: reviews all variance applications and appeals made (alleging an error was made by any official) relating to the enforcement of the Zoning Code.
• Engineering & Utilities: The Engineering Department can assist with utility connections, backflow, and storm water requirements. Please contact our Engineering Department for more information at 440-204-2003.
• Plan Review: After zoning and engineering requirements are complete, building plans for new construction and renovations can be submitted for a commercial building plan review.
  • Design Review Board: Established to regulate the Downtown Broadway Historic District while ensuring an added level of review to safeguard the historic and aesthetic importance of significant structures and places. The district contains a wealth of architectural resources that contribute to the richness of the community’s character and enhance the overall heritage of the city. Click here for additional information if your business is in the Broadway Historic District.
• Permitting: 
  • Building Permit Application: In addition to plan review, any modifications to an existing building or new construction require a building permit and inspections. Additional permit applications may be required. Please contact our Building Division for more information at 440-204-2045.
    • Sign Permit: Installation of exterior signage. 
  • Certificate of Occupancy & Special Inspection: A special inspection must be obtained before opening your business. Please contact our Building Division for more information at 440-204-2045.
  • Food Sales: Contact the Lorain County Public Health Department at 440-322-6367 for required vendor permits and inspections. 
    • Food Trucks: If you are interested in bringing your food truck to The City of Lorain you will need to take the following steps: 
      • Street Vendor Peddlers License: City of Lorain's Safety/Service Department
      • Mobile Food Vehicle Application: City of Lorain's Fire Department
      • Register as a Business: City of Lorain's Treasurer's Office
      • Health Inspection or License: Lorain County Public Health Department

Development Resources & Incentives

• City of Lorain:
  • Property Tax Abatements: Community Reinvestment Areas
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
  • Please contact us at 440-204-2020 for assistance with these programs.
• Lorain Port & Finance Authority
• Lorain County Community Development
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• One Lorain County
• Ohio Department of Development
• Glide

Register Your Business

• EIN: Your business must be registered with the Federal Government to obtain an EIN. Click here to apply for an EIN with the IRS assistance tool.
• State Tax ID: Your business must be registered with the State of Ohio to obtain your business state tax ID. Visit the Ohio Secretary of State for more information. 
• Local Business Registration: Register your business with the City of Lorain's Treasurer's Office with the New Business Registration Form.

Starting a Business

• Ohio Secretary of State
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Lorain County Community College, Small Business Development Center

Networking

• Lorain County Chamber of Commerce
• Main Street Lorain
• Lorain Growth