Opening a business: licenses, zoning, and occupancy

Standing up a physical business location usually means more than the industry permits — you also need the local basics. The Permits & Approvals card (on your /welcome cockpit for every org, and built into Restaurant and Retail) covers them:

• Local business license — in Virginia, a BPOL license from the Commissioner of the Revenue; elsewhere, your city or county business-license office. Separate from registering the business entity with the state.
• Zoning / use approval — confirming your use is allowed at that address, and whether a special-use permit or variance is needed.
• Certificate of occupancy — issued by the building department before you occupy a new or changed commercial space.

For food and drink, this stacks with the health permit and (if you serve alcohol) the state alcohol license — all shown together. Tell the card you're "opening a location" (and toggle serving food / alcohol) and it lists everything, who issues each, and drafts your first email.

General guidance, not legal advice — confirm specifics with each local office.