Laundromats are places where people go to do their laundry especially when they either don’t possess a washing machine at home or have to wash more clothing than their machines can handle at home.
Most often, these establishments also sell detergents and soaps, dryer sheets, coupled with other products that are required to get the laundry done. Starting and operating a laundromat indeed can be quite exciting and also profitable. However, you have to understand that it takes more than just obtaining a few washing machines and opening your doors to the public.
You will have to take care of certain legal requirements, authorization, and permits prior to opening your doors to customers. Have it in mind that getting all these regulations can be overly challenging.
The services offered by these businesses are, without doubt, always in demand. Howbeit, if you run a laundromat, it is imperative that you are always on the right side of the law. Permits and licenses are a primary necessity for starting and operating any business.
While they can vary greatly depending on the location, they are meant to guarantee public safety. Below are the basic permits and authorizations you need to run a laundromat in the United States. Although the exact ones you need will vary based on your state and city, use these ones as a yardstick to carry out your research.
Permits Needed to Open a Laundromat
1. Business License
The essence of this license is to prove that an individual or company is legally authorized to carry out business in a particular location.
This license is considered a must in the United States for most businesses, including laundromats, and you will have to obtain it from your local government. This license is very vital because it shows you are in conformance with local regulations and laws.
It also proves that your business is conducting business legally and has met all the necessary requirements. It also helps to protect your business from legal issues and potential fines.
2. Sales Tax Permit
This is a permit issued by the state government that makes it possible for a business to collect and remit sales tax on taxable goods or services. In most states, laundromats are mandated to obtain a Sales Tax Permit to collect sales tax from clients on laundry services.
Have it in mind that this permit is vital to guarantee adherence to state tax laws and to ensure you don’t get penalized for failing to collect and remit sales tax.
3. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Although not necessarily a permit, the Employer Identification Number (EIN) serves as a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a commercial enterprise.
Most often referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number, this number is very essential for a laundromat especially for tax purposes, establishing a business bank account, recruiting workers, and filing tax returns. You should also obtain this if you have intentions to apply for business loans or credit cards.
4. Health and Safety Inspection Certificate
This is a document that notes that a business has gone through the necessary inspection and has satisfied all stipulated health and safety regulations. This permit is most often obtained at the local government level and from the health department. Have it in mind that you will be expected to schedule a Health and Safety Inspection to ensure you obtain the certificate.
5. Zoning Permit
The primary purpose of this permit is to give permission to a property owner to use their land or building for a particular purpose. One thing to note is that these regulations will vary from state to state or even by city. They are most often enforced by local government agencies.
To start and operate a laundromat, you will be expected to obtain a Zoning Permit to prove that your business is legally permitted to conduct business in the designated zone and has complied with all relevant requirements, like parking, signage, and building codes.
6. Environmental Permit
This permit is most often issued by a government agency that grants businesses permission to conduct business within certain environmental regulations. These regulations include requirements for air quality, water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials handling.
When it has to do with operating a laundromat, this permit might be necessary owing to the high possibility of air pollution from dryers and washing machines, coupled with the likeliness of water pollution from detergents and cleaning agents.
The essence of this permit is to ensure that these businesses properly dispose of wastewater and guarantee that any dangerous materials are handled and stored safely.
7. Building Permit
This is the authorization you need to construct, renovate or make adjustments to a building or structure when starting your laundromat.
The essence of this authorization is to prove that your intended modifications or construction aligns with local building codes and safety regulations. To start a laundromat, you might require this permit especially if the building needs certain modifications, such as adding plumbing or electrical systems, installing new walls or partitions, or modifying the building’s layout.
The permit will verify that your construction work aligns with the safety and building standards outlined by the local government, and it will safeguard you from potential legal or financial liabilities in the event of accidents or damages.
8. Sign the Permit
This is another permit that works to show that you have the authorization to install a sign on your property. You have to obtain this permit from the local government that is tasked with regulating the size, location, and design of the sign. Without a Sign Permit, you will be contravening local zoning laws and might have to deal with fines or other penalties.
It is recommended you reach out to your local government to find out if a Sign Permit is necessary for your business. There are numerous state and local laws pertaining to the exact permit and authorizations you need to start and operate a laundromat.
However, they will also vary depending on your location, and that is why it is necessary for you to reach out to your Secretary of State to find out how to get the licenses and permits you need to operate a laundromat.