A Guide to Opening a Business

Come Together & Thrive!

1349 South Green Road South Euclid, OH 44121

Michael Love Economic Development Director (216) 691-4205 [email protected]

www.cityofsoutheuclid.com

A Guide to Opening a Business in the City of Contents The City of South Euclid, Ohio: 3 Who We Are 4 Our City At a Glance 5 Did You Know? 6 Choosing the Right Location For your Business 8 Incentives For Your Business 10 Resources For Your Business 12 How-To Guide For Opening a Business in South Euclid 16 Contact Us

Cover: ©iStock.com The City of South Euclid, Ohio: Who We Are Born from the quarries that built Greater Cleveland’s first sidewalks and streets, the City of South Euclid has grown into a vibrant, safe and diverse community of over 22,000 proud residents and businesses. Our historic city resides in a central location of the dense Cleveland Metropolitan Area of Northeast Ohio. Quick access to freeways will take you to downtown Cleveland, or out to the countryside, all within 20 minutes. This means that no matter what business you may have, direct and convenient access to customers, suppliers and trading partners are within your reach! Below are just a few of the benefits you can expect when joining our proud community of businesses in the City of South Euclid:

• business-friendly laws and regulations Benefits to • ease of commute Owning a • safety for employees Business in • close proximity to suppliers and buyers South Euclid: • supporting and complementary businesses • business incentive programs • large and diverse local labor market

We know you have many choices in deciding where your business calls home. This is why our city’s Economic Development Team has adopted the motto:

“You will never be treated better than you are in South Euclid.”

In keeping with this motto, our Economic Development Team is ready to work with you through every step of the process, from initial site selection and preparation, to opening day and beyond. We hope you will see the advantages of choosing South Euclid, Ohio.

©123RF 0 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 3 Did You Know?

• According to the Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Livability Ratings Report, the City of South Euclid was ranked 2nd most livable city in Greater Cleveland! • Surrounded by six major universities and colleges, the City of South Euclid ranks 3rd in Greater Cleveland for access to higher education. Our City at a Glance • South Euclid is not only within a few miles of University Circle, we’re also located only a few miles from the rolling countryside. Our city ranks #1 in park and Total Population: 22,167 countryside access! Area: 4.65 square miles • Our city is pedestrian friendly as we ranked 10th out of the 114 Population density: 4,694 people per square mile largest cities in Ohio for walkability, and since we are only 20 minutes from Median Family Income: $72,340 downtown Cleveland and all five major interstates, your business will be highly Median Household Income: $53,256 accessible to a vast customer base! Average age: 38.6 • You’ll have peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your employees and Education: 96% High school graduation rate, protection of your property. South Euclid is proud to remain in the top 37.9% Bachelor’s degree or higher ten safest communities of Greater Cleveland. Location: 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland Ratings taken from 2011 independent study. To view full report please visit, www.cityofsoutheuclid.com and all five major interstates.

Along with a diverse range of 300 businesses, South Euclid is proud to be the home of these prominent companies and organizations:

Notre Dame College Gent Machine Company AeroControlex Group University Suburban Health Center The Rochling Glastic Corporation Cedars on the Green Pediatric Health Center Mayfield Collision… and many more

Join Us Today!

4 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 5 choosing the

Right Location For additional inquiries, or to for Your Business take a tour of our unique and diverse business districts, please contact Michael Love at (216) 691-4205, mlove@seuclid. So you’ve decided that South Euclid would be a great place to do business, com. For a list of currently available but perhaps you’re still unsure of exactly where to locate within the city? parcels and spaces, please visit www. cityofsoutheuclid.com and click on the From the hustle and bustle of our main roads, to our more secluded side “Future Businesses” section. streets, our city offers a variety of parcels and spaces that can fit your needs. Contact our Economic Development Team today and find out the best location for your business!

Manufacturing/ Warehousing Spaces Medical and Educational Retail Spaces Does your business involve production, Spaces distribution or repair? Does it require special It is no secret that the location of your With seven major universities and considerations for noise or air separation? retail business is highly important when Commercial Office two world-class medical centers in close The City of South Euclid will work to find it comes to visibility and direct customer proximity, South Euclid is proud to be a part Spaces the best locations possible to fulfill the access. South Euclid offers everything from The City of South Euclid offers a diverse of Northeast Ohio’s burgeoning “Med/Ed” needs of your business. Our Monticello/ land that is ideal for redevelopment, to selection of commercial properties which economic resurgence. Green business district can accommodate fully prepared “white box” spaces. The can accommodate everything from a small This neighborhood is also home to our everything from large manufacturing newly built Cedar Center single-tenant office to the headquarters of a Langerdale Urban Marsh - a nature preserve operations (AeroControlex, Gent, Rochling- SOUTH EUCLID and Oakwood Commons mid-size corporation. And no matter if you’re that offers stunning views of wildlife in a Glastic, etc.) to smaller machine and supply BUSINESS DISTRICTS: shopping plazas are well- commuting from downtown Cleveland or the suburban setting. shops. Here are just a few examples of the suited to accommodate large countryside of Ohio, our city’s convenient Come join these exceptional organizations • May/Green potential business enterprises that would restaurants, big box stores, access to freeways will allow your best and along our South Green Road Med/Ed make a great addition to our community: • Mayfield Corridor small boutiques and all things brightest to easily travel to and from work. Corridor: in-between. We welcome you to especially consider • Cedar/Green • Warehousing and storage Perhaps you are looking for our Warrensville Center Corridor and • Notre Dame College • Cedar Center a more time-honored location • Printing and publishing Cedar/Green district where you will find a • University Suburban Health Center for your small business? • Oakwood Commons nice balance of main road accessibility and • Technology businesses • Warrensville Center Corridor Consider locating your store flowing traffic. To help your productivity, our • Cedars on the Green Pediatric Medical or shop to the reinvigorated • Construction/rehab/home improvement Center • Monticello/Green Mayfield Road Corridor offers a variety of May/Green downtown complementary businesses, and business • Specialty metal fabrication • South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the business district, where over suppliers, for your daily operations. • Food and beverage manufacturing Cuyahoga County Public Library. 40,000 commuters travel each day! We invite you to tour all of these • Stone/ clay/ glass manufacturing unique and diverse districts within South • Woodworking As you search for that perfect location, Euclid to decide which will make the best fit • Automotive repair and services we would be happy to provide any for your business. • Creative services additional information about our various neighborhoods and districts, or give you a • Software and related sectors personal tour of South Euclid.

6 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 7 Assistance and Incentive Programs (partial list):

Incentives Commercial & Industrial CRA Property JobsOhio: For large projects, the City for Your Business Tax Abatement Program: The City of partners with JobsOhio, the State’s economic South Euclid, as a city-wide Community development agency in order to ensure your Reinvestment Area (CRA), is able to offer project is successful. JobsOhio provides capital property tax abatement on a case-by-case for expansion projects to companies that have basis to large-scale commercial, educational, limited access to capital and funding from medical, and industrial projects. In addition, conventional, private sources of financing. the City of South Euclid partners with JobsOhio will consider loans to companies that Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio, and are in the growth, established or expansion various economic development organizations stage, and that have generated revenues to offer a series of incentive programs which through a proven business plan. benefit the business community. Job Creation Tax Credit (State Program): Cuyahoga County Storefront Renovation A refundable tax credit to companies generally Program: Improving commercial property creating at least 10 new jobs (within three years) is a great tool for attracting businesses in with a minimum annual payroll of $660,000 this difficult economic climate, as cosmetic that pay at least 175 percent of the federal renovations can make a world of difference. minimum wage. The Storefront Renovation Program offers property and business owners the opportunity Energy Savings: COSE and First Energy offer to receive up to a 50% rebate ($20,000 various energy efficiency programs for qualified maximum rebate) on exterior repairs. businesses.

Cuyahoga County Western Reserve Ohio Means Jobs: The City of South Euclid Fund: The Western Reserve Fund offers has partnered with Ohio Means Jobs (formerly low-interest partially forgivable loans to Employment Connection). Ohio Means Jobs non-retail businesses to grow and expand acts as a placement agency, matching potential om c . within the County. Please contact the Economic employees with employers who best meet their otolia

/F Development Department to find which loan skill sets. Ohio Means Jobs is also able to offer ss ine

s product may best fit your business. grants to employers for workforce development u B and training. Friendly, experienced staff onkey

M ECDI: The Economic and Community members accomplish this through personalized © Development Institute (ECDI) provides low- service and expert program recommendations. interest loans for small businesses, especially You found a perfect location for your business, but perhaps the space needs those businesses in the retail and restaurant renovation? Or maybe you’re unsure if you can afford the start-up costs? industries. For more information on ECDI, South Euclid’s Development Team Many business owners are often unaware of the numerous assistance and visit www.ecdi.org as a Partner: incentive programs that may be available to them. The City of South Euclid SBA: The Small Business Administration The City’s Development Team is ready to work with is proud to offer a variety of incentives to retain and grow our community of (SBA) provides financial assistance in the you through every step of the process, from initial site businesses. Listed at right are just a few examples of the ways we can work form of loans through your preferred financial selection and space preparation, to opening day and to offer your business a helping hand. For more information on any of the institution. Business owners can speak directly beyond. For more information on incentive programs, programs listed, contact our Economic Development Department. with the SBA by contacting (216) 522-4180 or please contact Michael Love at (216) 691-4205. For a speaking with the business representative at complete list of all available incentive programs, any bank. please visit www.cityofsoutheuclid.com

8 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 9 Resources for Your Business

Need advice on developing, growing or promoting your business? Maybe To learn more about South Euclid and the you’re just looking to network with other influential business owners and resources available to leaders? Becoming a part of our business community entitles you to some assist your business, of the region’s best resources for business tools, opportunities and savings. please contact Michael After all, everyone could use some helpful friends! Love at (216) 691-4205, [email protected].

Counseling and Guidance: The Ohio network with one another. Joining the HRCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) also allows business owners to join COSE is a free counseling service with a satellite (Council of Smaller Enterprises) at a deeply office in the Cleveland Heights Library, discounted rate and have access to all the providing new and existing businesses with programs COSE has to offer. resources to grow and succeed. The SBDC assists with the writing of business plans and • For more information on the various also helps to determine the best approach for resources available to your business, please securing financing. Our Business Advisory visit www.hrcc.org. Board holds meetings on a quarterly basis. • Your business will be listed in our com- Once you open a business in South Euclid, prehensive online directory: http://www. we hope you will consider becoming part cityofsoutheuclid.com/business-directory/ of this dynamic board of business and city leaders working together to improve the • And if you hang that “help wanted” sign future of South Euclid. For more information, in your window, contact us too and we’ll please visit, https://development.ohio.gov/ send the word out through our Employment bs/bs_sbdc.htm. Opportunities webpage: http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/about-south-euclid/employ- Networking and Promotion: From ment.html sponsorship opportunities to local • For more information or any inquiries, promotional events, our Economic please contact our Economic Development Development Department will always team. work hard to increase the visibility of your business. The Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce (HRCC), representing six cities in the Heights-Hillcrest region, encourages, facilitates and plays an active F R role in helping our region’s businesses ©123

10 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 11 We understand that turning an empty space into your ideal space can make for a daunting task. Where to even begin? Before you pick out the decor and plan the layout, we want to make sure your business space is safe to occupy. There’s also a few more things that our building code may require of your business. But don’t worry, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for that grand opening!

The • It is strongly suggested that any poten- Contact our Building Department Return all forms and application pro- tial business owner get permission from Architectural Review Board (ARB) cessing3 payment in-person or via mail to: 6 and1 let us know what kind of business you the current property owner for a 3rd party • If significant exterior alterations are have, and any locations that you may be City of South Euclid inspector* to perform a comprehensive in- being made to the building or if signage interested in. How To Department of Building spection of the site prior to signing a lease is being added, approval of the Architec- or purchasing the property. This reduces • By checking with the Building Depart- 1349 South Green Road tural Review Board is required. the chances of a business owner running ment you become immediately aware of South Euclid, Ohio 44121 into unexpected costs, delays, and helps • If ARB approval is needed, please whether the business is of a permissible Phone: (216) 381-0400 the business owner to make the decision obtain and complete an ARB application use in the area you wish to locate in and Fax: (216) 291-4959 on a location. form and Signage Permit form. whether a variance, conditional use permit, or zoning change may be required • You must pay a $25.00 application *The Building Department will not conduct inspections prior to Step 4 in the application to begin operations. processing fee upon submittal of the Guide process. Planning Commission Review forms. If returning through mail, submit a 7 • If you do not have any locations check payable to the City of South Euclid in mind, our Economic Development • If construction of a building or structure for Opening with your application. If paying in per- Department will work hard to find the is part of your plan, review and approval son, cash and credit are also acceptable If you plan to remodel an of your site plan is also required from the A Business In best match for your business. 5existing space: methods of payment. Planning Commission. • For a list of currently available • If the application forms were not spaces, please visit: http://www.cityof- • Obtain and complete an Application • Should you be required to obtain a South Euclid provided with this document, please southeuclid.com/available-properties- for Non-Residential Plan Approval. conditional use permit or a zoning change contact the Building Department at in order to operate in your desired loca- database/index.php • Submit the application with drawings (216) 381-0400. tion, approval from the Planning Com- and plans from your registered design • For a link to the Planning & Zoning mission and legislation approved by City professional (architect or engineer) to our Code to determine where your business Council will be required. The Building Building Department for review. may best fit, visit http://www.amlegal. Once the Building Department Department will help guide you through com/library/oh/southeuclid.shtml and 4receives your application for occupancy • For interior work, a deposit of this process should it be necessary. click on Chapter 7 “Planning and and use is approved, the business is $800.00 must be submitted along with Zoning Code” inspected by both the Building Department the above mentioned documents. and Fire Department for any occupational • For exterior work or site modifications, Board of Appeals on Zoning & safety hazards and code violations. a deposit of $3,000.00 must be submit- 8Building Standards (BZA) Once the proper documentation ted along with the above mentioned has2 been obtained to show the business • If no hazards or violations are found, • There may also be variances which documents. is permissible, submit an application for a certificate of occupancy will be issued are required to successfully operate your • Once reviewed and approved by the business occupancy by obtaining and (assuming that no additional remodeling is business. For example, a variance may Building Department, permits are issued to completing the following forms included in being done on the building, if remodeling be required if your business does not have begin work. your folder: is being done refer to Section 5 below)... the minimum number of parking spaces

otolia /F • If violations or hazards are found, they • When all permitted remodeling work required by the Planning & Zoning Code.

arek • Business Occupancy Application M must be corrected and then a re-inspection has been completed, inspected and You would be offered the opportunity © • New Occupancy/Business must be scheduled prior to a certificate of approved, a certificate of occupancy is to appear in front of the BZA to seek a Information for Fire Department Records occupancy being issued. issued by the City of South Euclid, assum- variance, or relief, from this requirement in ing all violations and safety hazards have order to operate. Once again, the Build- • Business Tax Registration Form been corrected. ing Department will guide you through the process of applying for a variance.

12 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 13 common frequently asked mistakes [!] questions [?]

When Starting, Relocating, or “Where is the Building “What is a Certificate of Remodeling Your Business Department and what are Business Occupancy?” its hours of operation?” It is a legal document issued by the Department The Building Department is located in South of Building which confirms compliance with We value your choice to do business in South Euclid and want to help ensure Euclid City Hall, 1349 South Green Road, South the Ohio Building Code and the City of South that your start-up or relocation is as easy as possible. Therefore, we want you Euclid, Ohio 44121. Hours of operation are Euclid’s Building Code. It outlines the legal use of to be aware of a few common mistakes which can cause setbacks in opening or Monday-Friday, 8am – 3:30pm. an establishment, the occupant load, the allow- able load, and any special conditions relating to running your business… the use of the establishment. “How do I contact specific departments or personnel?” • Signing a lease should be one of the last steps in the process of starting or relocating your “Do I need to register my business. When possible, only sign a lease that is contingent upon our Building Department’s approval Please refer to the “Contact Us” section on business with the City of South of your space. the next page. Euclid every year?” • Read all documents related to your lease and contractual obligations thoroughly. We recommend consulting a legal expert to review all contractual matters related to the rights, duties and “Can I get building permits Businesses within the City of South Euclid must liabilities of landowners, legal descriptions and boundaries, permitted commercial or business uses, renew their Certificate of Business Occupancy variance permits, easements and restricted uses, recording and notice requirements, land contracts and and applications online?” every year. There is an annual fee of $25.00 leases. While most building permits and forms are per renewal application. • Be in agreement as to who (tenant/landlord) will be responsible for maintenance, upkeep, available on the city’s website, all forms can be and possible violation corrections of the property during occupancy. obtained by visiting South Euclid City Hall in- • We recommend that you obtain consent from the current property owner for a 3rd party person or via fax. To Request forms, please call inspector to perform a comprehensive interior/exterior inspection of the property prior to signing a the Building Department at (216) 381-0400. lease. • All exterior store signage must be approved by the Building Department before it can be “Am I required to register displayed (refer to Section 6 on the ARB). my business with the City of • Once open for business should you decide to repurpose, or make any changes to the basic functioning of your establishment, please notify the Building Department first. South Euclid?” Yes, all businesses, with the exception of home- based businesses, within the City of South Euclid must be officially registered via Certificate of Business Occupancy.

otolia

14 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid • New Business Guide 15 “You will never be treated Contact Us better than you are in South Euclid.” City of South Euclid Georgine Welo Doug Stefko Building Department Mayor Fire Chief 1349 South Green Road (216) 381-0400 (216) 691-4270 South Euclid, Ohio 44121 [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (216) 381-0400 Fax: (216) 291-4959 Paul Kowalczyk Sally Martin http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/ Building Commissioner Housing Manager building-housing/index.html (216) 381-0400 (216) 381-0400 [email protected] [email protected] City of South Euclid Fire Department Michael Love Keith Benjamin 1349 S. Green Road Economic Development Director Director of Community South Euclid, OH 44121 (216) 691-4205 Services 216-381-1214 [email protected] (216) 381-0400 Fax 216-381-0656 [email protected] http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/ Scott Sebastian fire/index.html Fire Inspector & Prevention Officer Kevin Nietert (216) 691-4273 Police Chief City of South Euclid [email protected] (216) 691-4252 Mayor’s Office [email protected] 1349 South Green Road Walter Balester South Euclid, Ohio 44121 Building Inspector Lee Williams Phone: (216) 381-0400 (216) 691-4289 Executive Assistant Fax: (216) 381-0364 (216) 381-0400 http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/ Jeffrey Cook Fax: (216) 381-0364 mayor/index.html Building Inspector [email protected] (216) 691-4233 www.cityofsoutheuclid.com City of South Euclid Economic Development Dept. 1349 South Green Road South Euclid, Ohio 44121 Phone: (216) 381-0400 Fax: (216) 381-0364 http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/ economic-development/index.html

16 City of South Euclid • New Business GuidE www.cityofsoutheuclid.com