Starting a business in the Town of Mount Jackson, Virginia, is an exciting journey, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome you! Mount Jackson is truly OPEN FOR BUSINESS, and we are here to support you every step of the way. This guide will provide you with essential information to navigate the process smoothly, helping your business thrive and contribute to our vibrant local economy.
Mount Jackson is a community that embraces entrepreneurship and growth. Our dedicated Town staff is ready to assist you in understanding the requirements and connecting you with resources to help you succeed. Mount Jackson is a fantastic place to plant the seeds of your business dreams! We're a community that values entrepreneurship and understands the hard work and dedication it takes to get a business off the ground. We're here to help you navigate the process and connect you with the resources you need to succeed.
Starting a business can feel like a big undertaking, but with the right planning and support, you can make it happen right here in Mount Jackson. A business license is essential for operating within the town limits. We want to make the process as smooth as possible, so here's a breakdown:
For Established Businesses
- Renewals: We'll mail your business license renewal form to you each year. Please return the completed form and payment by March 1st. Forms received after March 2nd will be considered delinquent.
- Payment: Renewal fees must also be paid by cash, check, or money order only.
- Taxes: All town taxes must be current before a business license can be issued.
- License Delivery: Once we receive your form and payment, we'll issue your renewed business license.
- Closing Your Business: If you're no longer operating in Mount Jackson, please mark your renewal form "Final Return," include the date your business closed, and provide your final gross receipts along with your payment. This helps us keep our records accurate and ensures a smooth transition.
For New Businesses
Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey in Mount Jackson, VA, is an exciting venture! Our town is a vibrant community that actively supports new businesses, and the Town staff is ready to help you every step of the way. This checklist will guide you through the process, from initial planning to successful operation.
Your Step-by-Step Business Launch Checklist
Phase 1: Planning to Open
The initial planning phase involves understanding the local requirements and ensuring your business concept aligns with Mount Jackson's regulations.
- 1. Inquire About Zoning & Obtain a Zoning Permit (if applicable):
- Purpose: To ensure your proposed business location complies with Mount Jackson's zoning guidelines. Zoning permits are required for any business within a brick & mortar space that is open to the public. Food trucks and most home based businesses are exempt from a zoning permit.
- Action: Contact the Mount Jackson Town Office to discuss your business and its location.
- Form: Get the "Zoning Permit - Change in Use" form from the Town's Planning and Zoning page.
- Fee: Be prepared to pay the $30 fee via cash, check, or money order only.
- Contact: Call the Town Office at (540) 477-2121 or email info [at] mountjackson.com (info[at]mountjackson[dot]com) for guidance or to schedule a pre-application meeting.
- Reminder: Review the Mount Jackson Code of Ordinances (Chapter 66 on Zoning) for detailed regulations.
- 2. Register Your Business Entity with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)- This is a state-level requirement.
Phase 2: Opening Your Business
Once your initial planning is complete and zoning is addressed, it's time to secure the necessary permits and licenses for operation.
- 3. Apply for a Business License:
- Purpose: This is required for all businesses operating within the Town of Mount Jackson.
- Action: Pick up a Business License Application Form at the Town Office.
- Fee: The fee for a new Business License is $20 via cash, check, or money order only.
- Special Considerations:
- Home-Based Businesses: Generally exempt from the Zoning Permit but still require a Business License.
- Food Trucks: In addition to a Business License, you'll need to complete a Mobile Restaurant Permit application annually.
- Reminder: Restaurants and food trucks are required to submit monthly meals tax forms and collect 6% on every transaction.
- 4. Obtain Virginia ABC Licenses - If your business will sell or serve alcoholic beverage, visit the Virginia ABC website.
- 5. Secure Virginia Department of Health (VDH) - Food Permits (if applicable): For any business involving food preparation or service.
Phase 3: Business Operations
Once you're open, these ongoing considerations ensure smooth and compliant operations.
- 6. Commercial Trash Pick-Up:
- Service: Weekly trash collection is provided by the Town, in partnership with Long Enterprises LLC.
- Schedule: Collection occurs every Tuesday morning, starting at 6:30 AM.
- Reminder: Trash should not be placed out before 4:00 PM on Monday and should be in no more than five (5) 64-gallon trash cans.
- Fee: The commercial rate for trash collection is $18.50 per month, conveniently included with your monthly water bill.
- Large Trash Pick-Up: A special large trash pick-up service is offered quarterly (January, April, July, October). This service is for large household items only and does not include construction debris, hazardous waste, or tires.
- Recycling: The Town of Mount Jackson currently does not have a recycling program or service.
- Useful Link: Find more details on Trash and Recycling services.
- 7. Adhere to Signage Ordinances:
- Purpose: To ensure your business signs are safe, aesthetically pleasing, and compliant with Town regulations.
- Requirement: A Zoning Permit for Signs may be required before erecting any permanent sign.
- Action: Review the general guidelines for common business signs and verify specific requirements with the Town.
- Window Signs: No limit on number, maximum 20% of window area or 6 sq. ft.
- Freestanding Signs: 1 per business, max 9-16 sq. ft. area, max 8 ft. height.
- Projecting Signs: 1 per business per street frontage, max 9-15 sq. ft. area, 8-15 ft. above grade.
- Wall Signs: 1 per business per street frontage, max 15 sq. ft. area, max 15 ft. height above grade.
- Canopy Signs: No limit on number, letters not exceeding 6 inches high, no less than 8 ft. above grade.
- Internally Illuminated Signs: Generally not permitted, except for one neon window sign not exceeding 3 sq. ft.
- A-Frame Signs: 1 per business, max 6 sq. ft. area, max 4 ft. height.
- Painted Signs: 1 on a side or rear wall, not exceeding 10% of that wall area.
- Temporary Signs (Freestanding or Wall): No limit on number, max 8 sq. ft. area, max 4 ft. height.
- Form: You can find the "Zoning Permit - Signs" form on the Mount Jackson Planning and Zoning page.
- Useful Link: For comprehensive details, refer to the Mount Jackson Code of Ordinances (look for the section on signs).
- 8. Business License Renewals:
- Purpose: To maintain your active business license.
- Action: Business license renewal forms are mailed annually.
- Deadline: Forms and payment must be returned by March 1st to avoid delinquency.
- Reminder: Ensure all Town taxes are current for renewal.
Connection & Collaboration!
- Purpose: To gain insights, network with other business owners, develop your business, and explore funding opportunities.
- Action:
- Mount Jackson EDA Facade Improvement Funding: If you plan physical storefront improvements, contact the Town Office for details on matching grant program.
- Mount Jackson 5 / The Nest Community Business Launch Program: Consider applying for this 8-week program if you're looking for mentorship, business planning assistance, and grants ranging from $5,000-$20,000.
- To Apply: Submit your name, contact information, and a brief (bulleted) pitch of your business idea.
- Commitment: Be prepared to participate in required 8-week training sessions (Wednesdays, 6 PM - 9 PM, Mount Jackson Town Hall, Sep 10, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025). If awarded, you'll agree to open your business within one year in Mount Jackson.
- Contact: Call (540) 477-2121 or email info [at] mountjackson.com (info[at]mountjackson[dot]com) for more information.
- Shenandoah County Economic Development: Visit the Shenandoah County Business Resources page for valuable assistance, grants, and connections to local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): The Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center offers free counseling, advice, and training.
- Consider joining the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce or the Mount Jackson Hometown Partnership.
Other Important Permits & Fees
- Solicitor’s Permit: $50 (Application available at Town Office. See Code Sec. 18-81 and 18-147) - Requires notarization and a background check. Please bring necessary identification.
- Peddler’s Permit: $125-$250 (Application available at Town Office. See Code Sec. 18-81 and 18-147) - Requires notarization and a background check. Please bring necessary identification.
- Meals Tax: Restaurants and food trucks are required to submit monthly meals tax forms and collect 6% on every transaction.
We're Here to Help!
We're excited to welcome new businesses to Mount Jackson and support the growth of our existing businesses. Mount Jackson lies near the center of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, only 90 minutes from Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. We welcome and encourage businesses to our town for the community success and employment opportunities they bring.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the town office. We're here to help!
To learn more about starting a business in Mount Jackson, call the Town Office at 540-477-2121 to set up a meeting. For additional information on the region, visit the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Us
Mount Jackson Town Office
5901 Main Street P.O. Box 487 Mount Jackson, VA 22842
Phone: 540.477.2121
Email: info [at] mountjackson.com (info[at]mountjackson[dot]com)
Office Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00 am-4:45 pm