Does York County have an Enterprise Zone?

No.

Does York County offer loan programs to its businesses? Please describe.

York County has an Economic Development Fund that the Board of Supervisors can utilize to assist a company in locating to the County. The magnitude of this assistance is in direct proportion to the tax revenue generated, job creation, and growth potential of the new business.

York County Industrial Development Authority - In addition to issuing Industrial Revenue Bonds, the Authority has provided financial assistance to businesses locating in the County. The magnitude of this assistance is in direct proportion to the tax revenue generated, job creation, and growth potential of the new business.

James River Development Corporation - serves York County for businesses utilizing the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program.                             

Hampton Roads Private Investor Network - Operating under the auspices of the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads, the Network provides access to equity-type financing from private investors for new or existing ventures.

Conventional Financing - Due to the significant number of commercial banks and thrift institutions in the Peninsula area, large industrial and commercial loans are readily available to qualified businesses.

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority - Loan programs for small businesses including "umbrella" IRB financing and working capital loans.

How can a perspective business find out more information about the incentives in York County?

Website: www.yorkcounty.gov
Contact:  Office of Economic Development
224 Ballard Street, P.O. Box 612
Yorktown, VA 23690
757.890.3317   econdev@yorkcounty.gov  

PLANNING AND BUILDING PROCESSES IN YOUR LOCALITY
All questions regarding Planning and Building should be directed to Mr. John Hudgins, Director of Environmental & Development Services, (757) 890-3750

What is required if a business wants to make an addition to an existing building or build a new building?
A site plan must be submitted and approved and, subsequently, a land disturbing activity permit and a building permit must be obtained. These are the typical permits that are required; others may be required.

Has York County created any type of guides for the planning and building process? If so, may we have a copy of it?
Yes, York County's has a complete Developer's Guide, which is available online at http://www.yorkcounty.gov/eds/adobedocs/Developers%20Guide.pdf  or you may contact our office to have a copy mailed to you.

How do individuals and businesses contact your planning and zoning departments?
Environmental & Development Services - Phone: 757-890-3750
Address: 105 Service Drive, P.O. Box 532, Yorktown, VA 23690-0532

What permits can be obtained through these departments?
Site Plan/Subdivision Approval, Land Disturbing Activity Permits, Various Zoning Permits, Building Permits (electrical, plumbing, etc.), Demolition Permits, Sign Permits, Wetlands Permits, Variances, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Waivers.

Does a site plan need to be filed?
Yes

Is an appointment with a planner recommended?
Yes. Recommended but not required. Those developers who go through a "pre-application" process will receive expedited reviews for their projects. Most are reviewed within 21 days.

What number can be called for the appointment?
757-890-3531

Is any information available on-line or are there any downloadable forms?
Yes. A substantial number of forms and development related information including the County Code is available online at http://www.yorkcounty.gov/eds

How long do the various review processes take?
Site Plan (regular process) - up to 60 days
Site Plan (pre-application conference attended) - 21 day goal

Subdivision Plans (regular process) - up to 60 days
Subdivision Plans (pre-application conference attended) - 21 day goal

Building Permits - up to 3 weeks

When is a building permit required? Is there a charge?
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, renovations. There is a charge.

If the electricity and gas have been turned off at a vacant business location, what is necessary to restore it?
Contact Virginia Natural Gas or Dominion Virginia Power.

Is there a permit required for reconnection of a utility?
No

BUSINESS-RELATED SIGNS

If a business (or individual) wants to erect a sign, what are the requirements?
A sign permit must be obtained. Phone: 757-890-3524 for details.

Size constraints?
Varies with each zoning district. See the County Code for details.

What is the procedure for obtaining a sign permit?
Contact the Division of Development and Compliance for procedure information. Phone: 757-890-3524. An application is required along with the requisite fee. Detailed drawings of the sign are required along with a locational drawing. The application materials are submitted to the Division of Building Regulation.

FIRE CODE REGULATIONS

What is the source for York County's firecode? Is this code on-line?
The County follows the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (which is an amended version of the BOCA Fire Prevention Code) along with local amendments. The local amendments can be viewed at: www.yorkcounty.gov/fls

Who does a business contact for fire code compliance issues for your locality?
The York County Department of Fire and Life Safety at (757) 890-3600. You will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

HOME-BASED BUSINESSES

What are the issues involved in having a home-based business in your locality?
It would depend on the type of business, but certain activities are permitted as a matter of right as others require a special use permit.

What licenses or registrations are required?
All Businesses are required to register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for business license and home occupation zoning certification.

Steps to obtain this approval?
Applications for approval may be obtained at the Commissioner of the Revenue office, Finance Bldg. 120 Alexander Hamilton Blvd. Yorktown, VA 23690

What is the contact information for each of the county departments involved?
Commissioner of the Revenue (757) 890-3383
Zoning & Code Compliance (757) 890-3524

Are signs allowed for these home-based businesses?
NO. Signs are not permitted under any circumstances for home based businesses.

What kind of business can be conducted in a home?
All provided the home occupation would be limited to using their home for office use only.

Can a home-based business hire people to work for them?
No.

What are the steps to starting a home based business in your locality?
Apply for licensure at the Commissioner of the Revenue, Finance Bldg. 120 Alexander Hamilton Blvd. Yorktown, VA 23690 (757) 890-3383

LOCAL CONTRACTOR LICENSES

Does York County require licensure for building contractors, residential contractors, and subcontractors (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, masonry, etc) for making additions to existing structures, or those involved in remodeling, repair, or demolition of existing structures?
Yes.

What department issues this license and what is their contact information?
Commissioner of the Revenue, Finance Bldg.
120 Alexander Hamilton Blvd., Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone:  (757) 890-3383    www.yorkcounty.gov/revenue

HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

What types of businesses must comply with health regulations in your county?
Restaurants, Massage Parlors, Nursing Homes, Spas, etc. Contact the Virginia Health Department for further types of businesses that may be subject to health department regulations.

Where are the Health Departments located in York County that businesses must contact?
416 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
Phone:  (757) 594-7300   www.vdh.state.va.us

Upper York/Williamsburg
1126 Professional Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: (757) 253-4813   www.vdh.state.va.us

LIQUOR LICENSE

Are businesses required to get a liquor license? If so, what is the contact information for the licensing agency?
Yes, a liquor license is required for any establishment who wishes to serve liquor.
Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
4907 West Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA
(757) 825-7830   www.abc.state.va.us

OTHER CITY AND/OR COUNTY REQUIREMENTS

Where should businesses go to apply for a business license?
All types of business are required to register for business license. Register at:
Commissioner of the Revenue, Finance Bldg.
120 Alexander Hamilton Blvd., Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone:  (757) 890-3383

Is there a website that has downloadable forms?
Yes. www.yorkcounty.gov/revenue

Do you have a Commissioner of Revenue office in your county?
Yes.  Finance Bldg. 120 Alexander Hamilton Blvd., Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone:  (757) 890-3383     www.yorkcounty.gov/revenue

PERSONAL PROPERTY

What department in your locality assesses Business Tangible Personal Property?
Commissioner of the Revenue  (757) 890-3381

OTHER TAXES

Are there any other local taxes not previously mentioned (such as transient occupancy tax, prepared food and beverage tax, machinery and tool tax, and certain franchise taxes)?
Prepared Food & Beverage, Transient Occupancy Tax & Short Term Rental Tax

What is the procedure to pay these taxes?
Monthly or Quarterly Forms mailed to each taxpayer on the 25th of each month.
 

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
2017 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 1-800-829-3676 or 1-800-829-1040
Is there a website that has downloadable forms?
Yes - www.irs.gov

VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT OFFICE
5235 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone:  (757) 253-4738
Is there a website that has downloadable forms?
Yes - www.vec.state.va.us

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION
11847 Canon Blvd, Suite 5, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: (757) 594-7482
Is there a website that has downloadable forms?
Yes - http://www.tax.virginia.gov

NAME REGISTRATION

Where do Assumed Names, Trade Names, or DBA'S go to be registered?
Circuit Court-York Poquoson Courthouse
300 Ballard Street, Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone:  (757) 890-3350

Is there a website that has downloadable forms?
Yes.   www.yorkcounty.gov/revenue

BUSINESS RESOURCES

What other business resources are available?

Small Business Development Center

Department of Business Assistance

Small Business Administration

Center for Innovative Technology

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

York County Chamber of Commerce