Similar to jurisdictions throughout the country, the City of Winchester and Frederick County require companies located here or conducting business here to obtain certain licenses and permits. The selected list below is a brief overview of some of the licenses and permits required.
LICENSES
Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL)
All businesses, including home-based enterprises and self-employed individuals, that are located or operating in Frederick County and have gross annual receipts greater than $10,000 must have a BPOL licenses. For more information, visit the websites for the City of Winchester’s Treasurer Office or Frederick County’s Commissioner of Revenue
Certificate of Authority for Firms Incorporated Outside of Virginia
A corporation incorporated outside Virginia but doing business in Virginia must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the State Corporation Commission.
Incorporating in Virginia
To become incorporated in Virginia, an organization must file articles of incorporation with the State Corporation Commission and pay the required fees.
Occupational Licenses
Individuals engaged in various occupations are required to obtain licenses or permits from the county, state or federal governments. A sampling of occupations include:
- Food, pharmaceutical, medical device and cosmetics production—the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;
- Accountants, appraisers (real estate), architects, interior designers, land surveyors, opticians, real estate brokers and tradesman, among others— Virginia Department of Professional and Occupation Regulation;
- Dentists, funeral directors and embalmers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists, among others—Virginia Department of Health Professions;
- Attorneys—Virginia Board of Bar Examiners; and
- Motor vehicle dealers—Motor Vehicle Dealer Board
Permits
Building (New Construction & Renovation)
A building permit is required for the erection of new structures and for modifications of existing structure in the City of Winchester and Frederick County. The City of Winchester’s Building Inspections and Code Enforcement Department and Frederick County Building Inspections Department is responsible for all “vertical” and “horizontal” development in the city and county.
Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing Permits
Separate permits are required to perform electrical, mechanical HVAC and plumbing installations. The length of the approval process varies with the nature and complexity of the project. Applications should be made to the City of Winchester’s Building Inspections and Code Enforcement Department and Frederick County Building Inspections Department.
Food Service Permits
The Lord Fairfax Health District (540-722-3480) issues permits for food service establishments. The department conducts pre-opening and routine inspections to ensure proper compliance.
Home Occupation Permit
The City of Winchester and Frederick County allows certain businesses and occupations to be conducted in a dwelling unit as a home occupation provided a number of limitations are met. Some examples of permitted home occupations are offices for artisans, cleaning services, computer design services, authors, and home crafters. No clients or customers are permitted with a home occupation. The one exception to this standard is a school of special education (i.e., piano or dance instructor), in which a limited number of students is permitted in the home.
