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Business Permitting

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Change of Use/Occupancy


Opening a business in an existing facility requires approval from the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Sales Tax Office and the Tax Division of the Sheriff's Office. Follow the steps below.

Step 1

Make sure the location can be used for your business

Step 2

Complete a Change of use/Occupancy application

Here is what you will need:

  • Completed application form.
  • Copy of lease or act of sale to property.
  • Fee payable to St. Charles Parish Department of Finance
  • "General Inspection" report from the LA State Fire Marshal (call 504-568-8506)
  • Sewer verification (for community sewer 985.783.5100; for private treatment 985.764.4376).
  • Site plan showing building size & location, parking lot, loading zone, landscaping, sidewalks

If changes or upgrades to the site are necessary, building permits may be required. For example:

Additional items may may be required for some types of businesses. For example:

  • Wastewater permit for any type of vehicle washing
  • LA Department of Health & Hospital’s Certificate for food sales (985.764.4376)
  • Contract from a hazardous waste hauler for automobile repair services
  • Certification from Cosmetology Board or Barber Board (225-756-3404 or 225.925.1701)
  • Determination of locational compliance for alcoholic beverages sales (link to application form)
Step 3

Obtain a registration number and certificate from the Sales Tax Office

Step 4

Obtain an Occupational License from the Tax Division of the Sheriff's Office

Here is what you will need:

  • Complete the Occupational License Application with $50 fee.
  • Present the certificate of zoning compliance from the Planning and Zoning Department (Step I)
  • The Sales Tax number from the Sales Tax Office (Step II)

 

Home Occupation


A business operated from the owner’s home must receive approval from the Planning & Zoning Department, the Sales Tax Office and the Tax Division of the Sheriff’s Office.

Step 1

Make sure your business can operated be from home

  • Call the Planning and Zoning Office to make sure your business can be operated as a home occupation (Ask for a planner). 
Step 2

Apply for a Home Occupation

Here is what you will need:

  • A completed Home Occupation Application.
  • Deed to Property.
  • A notarized affidavit from the property owner if applicant is renting/leasing.
  • Photos of the vehicles to be used for business . 
  • Health Department (985/764-4376) approval for any proposed business that handles/prepares food or beverages.
  • State Fire Marshal approval (504/219-4600) for any proposed business that would have customers coming to the home.
  • The accompanying $25 or $200 fee.
  • A print out of abutting property owners from the Assessor’s Office. 

Upon receipt of the Home Occupation Permit application, the Planning & Zoning Department will place a sign in front of the applicant’s residence, displaying the intent to operate a home-based business for ten (10) calendar days to allow neighbors time to comment.

The following procedure is used to evaluate the application:

  • If the department does not receive negative commentary during the ten (10) day sign-posting period, the director may approve the application.
  • If the department does receives negative comments, or if the proposed business fits any of the following criteria, the director will forward the application to the Planning & Zoning Commission for consideration.
    • The proposed business demands delivery of a service or product to customers in or at the home.
    • The proposed business requires local, state, or federal agency approval of any phase of the operation (i.e., Board of Health, State Fire Marshal, etc…).
Step 3

Obtain a registration number and certificate from the Sales Tax Office

Step 4

Obtain an Occupational License from the Tax Division of the Sheriff's Office

Here is what you will need:

  • Fill out the Occupational License Application with $50 fee. More information here
  • Present the Home Occupation Permit from the Planning and Zoning Department (Step I)
  • The Sales Tax Number from the Sales Tax Office (Step II)

 

Beer/Liquor License


If your business intends to serve or sell alcohol, it will require a Beer/Liquor License from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office. 

  • The proposed business is not within five hundred (500) feet of a public playground, a building used exclusively as a church or synagogue, a public library, a public school, or a licensed day care center, except a school for business education conducted as a business college. The applicant must submit an application, signed by a registered surveyor or engineer, stating compliance with the five-hundred (500) feet rule.
  • Publication of a public notice for two (2) consecutive weeks in the St. Charles Herald Guide.
  • Submission of a completed and notarized “Schedule A” by all managers. “Schedule A”, administered by the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, provides detailed information on the applicant’s background and documents the satisfaction of criteria and conditions listed in LA R.S. 26:79 and 279.
  • Verification of United States citizenship and Louisiana residency, for the past two (2) years, by all owners and managers.
  • Fingerprinting of all owners and managers.