Business Owner's Manual

New York City Regulations

The City regulates the operation of all business activities. Fortunately, there are a number of resources that provide comprehensive guidance on the full spectrum of City licenses and permits. In addition, there are sources of help for specific issues.

Comprehensive Resources

The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs identifies many of the licenses and permits needed by common types of businesses and the requirements for each. The City's Department of Small Business Services also links to many government resources for licensing and permits. Click on "Start a Business in NYC."

The Department of Business Services Business Action Center can help guide you through the regulatory maze and will answer other questions about setting up your business. Visit the NYC Business Solutions Center for more information or call NY*MAGIC (212-696-2442) during business hours to speak to a counselor or make an appointment.

Together, the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Health are responsible for issuing many of the licenses and permits required to operate most types of businesses, from newsstands, antique dealers, and locksmiths to food establishments and daycare centers. These permits and licenses can be obtained from the New York City Licensing Center at 42 Broadway, 5th floor, in Manhattan. Applications for most license categories are available for downloading on the Department of Consumer Affairs Web site. The NYC Licensing Center also processes Department of Transportation permits and provides general information and materials about other agencies. Call 212-487-4436 for information on many common licensing and permitting problems.

The Department of Consumer Affairs also provides a listing of other business guides on their Web page. The Green Book: The Official Directory of the City of New York, published by the City, is also a valuable resource for locating the appropriate agencies to contact for licenses.

Finally, various economic development agencies in the boroughs and many industry associations provide assistance in negotiating the regulatory maze. Use the Services Directory to find organizations near you that can help.

Finding Help for Specific Issues

Registering your business. Sole proprietors and partnerships doing business other than under their own names must register with the county clerk. Corporations must register with the Department of State. All business except a sole proprietorship with no employees must obtain an Employer Identification number. For details and procedures, see Structuring a Business.
Meeting environmental standards. Permits are required for any device that discharges into the air or sewers or draws from the local water supply (e.g., boilers, refrigeration equipment, exhaust systems, etc.). The City's Department of Environmental Protection provides information for businesses, including a guide called Smart Business, a listing of environmental regulations and permitting requirements for businesses in New York City. These apply to businesses such as printers, autobody shops, dry cleaners, electroplaters, metal fabricators, jewelry manufacturers, and woodworkers. You may also call the DEP Environmental Economic Assistance Unit at 718-595-4359 for guidance on meeting with city, state, and federal regulations related to environmental issues.
Altering your business premises. The Department of Buildings is responsible for licensing and inspecting the construction and significant alteration of all buildings. A two-step procedure requires approval of plans and a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. Contact the DOB office in your borough.

Note: The DOB also certifies plumbers and electricians and issues Public Assembly permits, which are required if your business holds more than 75 people.
Complying with the Zoning Resolution. The City's Zoning Resolution regulates where businesses can be located. (For example, a manufacturing business cannot operate in a commercial zone; a daycare center cannot operate in a manufacturing zone.) For zoning information, contact the NYC Department of City Planning at 212-720-3300.