Opening a Business Checklist

Step 1: Have you set up your business?

Incorporate your business

sos.state.tx.us | 512-463-5555
Corporate information must be filed with the Texas Secretary of State office.

Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)

irs.gov
All employers who have employees must be assigned an EIN from the United States Internal Revenue Service (Form SS-4).

Obtain Business Name/DBA
Dallas County: dallascounty.org | 214-653-7099
Denton County: dentoncounty.com | 940-349-2010
Collin County: collincountytx.gov | 972-548-4185
This establishes the sales tax collection process with the State of Texas. Contact the County Clerk’s office for the respective county in which your business will reside.

Obtain lease from landlord or property owner

Many commercial properties are leased by management companies. Lease terms should be negotiated prior to application for Certificate of Occupancy.

Step 2: Have you made contact with the City?

Confirm business use is allowed per zoning district

Building Inspection: City Hall | 972-466-3225
Planning: City Hall | 972-466-3040
Visit cityofcarrollton.com/buildinginspection to see zoning matrix in Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Article V. If zoning change is required, contact the Planning Division.

Determine whether construction permits are required for tenant improvements and submit any necessary applications and plans

Building Inspection: City Hall | 972-466-3225
Prior to any construction, demolition, alteration, or improvement, visit the Building Inspection counter to understand what permits may be required and apply for them.

Determine what signage will be needed and apply for sign permit

Building Inspection: City Hall | 972-466-3225
A permit must be in place prior to installation of any signs, including temporary signs or banners. Visit cityofcarrollton.com/buildinginspection for information on sign requirements and necessary sign permits. You may also contact the plan review staff with questions.

Determine whether a fire sprinkler, fire alarm, or fire suppression system is required

Building Inspection: City Hall | 972-466-3225
Depending on building use, occupant load, or other factors, additional life-safety systems may be required.

New development

Building Inspection: City Hall | 972-466-3225
Obtain permits for new construction, all on-site improvements, and any public improvements (utilities, street paving, etc.).

Step 3: Have you made necessary applications?

Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy

Building Inspection: City Hall | 972-466-3225

Contact Environmental Services for businesses serving or preparing food

Environmental Services: City Hall | 972-466-3060
A separate food permit is required and must be renewed annually. Food manager certification training may also be scheduled.

Obtain license from TABC for businesses selling or serving alcohol

tabc.state.tx.us | 817-652-5912
The sale of alcoholic beverages is under the requisition of the state’s Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission (TABC).

Step 4: Have you set up all services?

Apply for water service

Utility Customer Service: City Hall | 972-466-3120
If there is a separate meter for the space to be occupied, a contract for services and a deposit are required.

Apply for gas service

atmosenergy.com
Natural gas service is provided by Atmos Energy.

Choose an electrical service provider

powertochoose.org | coserv.com
Electrical services in Carrollton are provided by third-party entities, although some areas are serviced exclusively by CoServ.

Choose a solid waste service provider

Commercial solid waste services in Carrollton are provided by third-party entities, so search the internet for providers. The City does not provide trash or recycling collection services to commercial customers.

Apply for mail service

usps.com | 800-275-8777
Contact the United States Post Office to request mail delivery to your new business address.
The Post Office will require a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy in order to begin mail service
at your new address.

City of Carrollton, TX

Learn more about doing business in the City of Carrollton.

Here's a handy checklist of things to consider when opening your small business.

Printable Version (PDF)