Pennsylvania The Borough of Ellwood City has made every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. It may, however, include inaccuracies or typographical errors and may be changed or updated without notice. It is intended for discussion and educational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute legal, financial, or other professional advice. Some materials may provide links to other Internet sites only for the convenience of users. The Borough is not responsible for the availability or content of these sites. The Borough of Ellwood City does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, services, producer or provider referenced in this material or information described or offered at other Internet sites. 2 | Page Contents Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Nine Steps to Starting and Growing Your Business in Ellwood City ....................................................... 6 STEP ONE: Get Business Assistance and Training ................................................................................... 8 Where do I get help to begin the process of starting a business? ............................................................ 8 How do I register for a Business Start-up Essentials Workshop? ........................................................... 8 Helpful Guides: ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Helpful Links: ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Step Two: Register a Business Name ......................................................................................................... 9 What is a fictitious firm/business name and do I need one? ................................................................... 9 How do I register a fictitious business name? ......................................................................................... 9 Helpful Links: ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Step Three: Register for Federal, State and Local Taxes.......................................................................... 10 What is a Federal Employer Tax Number? ........................................................................................... 10 How do I obtain a Federal Employer Tax Number? ............................................................................. 10 Apply Online: ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Apply Fax by Phone: ............................................................................................................................. 10 How do I register to pay Pennsylvania Taxes? ..................................................................................... 11 How do I register to pay Local Taxes? ................................................................................................. 11 Helpful Links: ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Step Four: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits .................................................................................... 12 Do I need to obtain any Federal Licenses or Permits? .......................................................................... 12 Do I need to obtain any State or Local Licenses or Permits? ............................................................... 12 Helpful Links: ....................................................................................................................................... 14 Step Five: Understand Employer Responsibilities ................................................................................... 15 What taxes should be withheld from my employees’ wages? .............................................................. 15 • Federal Employment Taxes (www.irs.gov) ................................................................................... 15 • Pennsylvania Employment Taxes (www.revenue.state.pa.us) ...................................................... 15 • Borough of Ellwood City ............................................................................................................... 15 What employment forms should be completed and filed? .................................................................... 15 Helpful Links: ....................................................................................................................................... 15 Step Six: Choose a Business Location ...................................................................................................... 16 Step Seven: Understand Local Zoning Laws ............................................................................................ 18 What zoning districts are recognized by the Borough of Ellwood City? .............................................. 18 Borough of Ellwood City Zoning Map ................................................................................................. 19 ............................................................................................................................................................... 19 Permitted and Conditional Uses in C-1 (Local Business District) ........................................................ 20 Permitted and Conditional Uses in C-2 (Central Business District) ..................................................... 20 Permitted and Conditional Uses in C-3 Core Commercial (see ordinance for definitions) .................. 21 Permitted and Conditional Uses in C-3 Gateway West (see ordinance for definitions) ....................... 21 3 | Page Permitted and Conditional Uses in C-3 Gateway North (see ordinance for definitions) ...................... 21 Permitted and Conditional Uses in C-3 Institutional & Professional.................................................... 22 Permitted and Conditional Uses in I (Industrial District) ..................................................................... 22 What is the process of seeking approval for a new or a conditional use? ............................................. 23 Step Eight: Real Estate Development Process and Permits ...................................................................... 24 What Local Permits do I need to be aware of regarding construction or demolition? .......................... 24 What is the land development process in Lawrence County and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? ........................................................................................................................................ 24 What local approvals and permits are required? ................................................................................... 24 I. Land Development Plan .............................................................................................................. 24 II. Zoning Approvals (see zoning above) ....................................................................................... 25 IV. Sewage (Act 537) Approvals ..................................................................................................... 25 V. Building Permits ......................................................................................................................... 25 VI. Signage Consent ........................................................................................................................ 25 VII. Certificate of Occupancy......................................................................................................... 25 What state approvals and permits are required?.................................................................................... 26 Helpful Links: ....................................................................................................................................... 27 ............................................................................................................................................................... 27 Step Nine: Financial and Business Support Services ............................................................................... 28 Are there grants available to help me start or grow my business? ........................................................ 28 Are there loans available to help me start or grow my business? ......................................................... 28 What other public business support services are available? ................................................................. 29 Entrepreneurship: .................................................................................................................................. 29 Workforce: ............................................................................................................................................ 29 Business Services: ................................................................................................................................. 29 Business Financing:............................................................................................................................... 29 4 | Page