Licenses
Local Privilege Licenses
Businesses must obtain a local privilege license before conducting business in the City. In some cases, zoning or building permits may be needed which must be approved before the privilege license may be issued. To obtain privilege license information, please contact the City of Concord Tax Office:
City of Concord Tax Collector
26 Union Street S
P.O. Box 308
Concord, NC 28026-0208
Phone: 704-920-5216
Webpage
State Licenses
Certain types of businesses also need a privilege license from the State of North Carolina. To verify this item for your business, contact the nearest office of the N.C. Department of Revenue:
N.C. Department of Revenue
500 West Trade St
Suite 446
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 1-877-252-3052
Web Site: http://www.dor.state.nc.us
Industry-Specific State Licenses:
Some businesses require a statewide industry-specific license. For more information, please contact the N.C. Business License Information Office in Raleigh:
Phone: 1-800-228-8443
Web Site: http://www.nccommerce.com/servicenter/blio/
Permits
It is important that all business owners first verify that the site is properly zoned for the desired activity. Permits for zoning, building construction and alterations, exterior signs, and home occupations should be obtained as early as possible from the appropriate City and County offices:
City of Concord Zoning Permits
Development Services Department
66 Union Street South
PO Box 308
Concord, NC 28026-0308
704-920-5152
Webpage
Cabarrus County Building Permits
Building Inspections
65 Church Street SE
PO Box 707
Concord, NC 28026-0707
704-920-2128
Web site: Cabarrus County Construction Standards
When discussing a specific business location, it is important to have the street address and owner's name, or the property identification number, on hand.
Zoning questions usually center on the acceptability of a certain use of property in a given zoning district. Sometimes conditions are placed on business uses - limiting the intensity of an activity, hours of operation, or other factors which could effect the surrounding neighborhood. Other important zoning issues may involve the ability to add on to an existing building, or dealing with a portion of the property which is designated as a flood plain.
New building construction, additions, and alterations typically require a building permit, except for very minor changes. This includes exterior work as well as significant interior repairs and changes. For commercial buildings, handicapped accessibility issues are increasingly important, and should be reviewed carefully with Cabarrus County building code officials. It is advisable to make sure that all contractors are properly licensed, and to obtain necessary permits before any work is initiated.
Signs are governed by zoning regulations. Commercial signs are limited by the total number allowed for any one business, and the size (in square feet) permitted. Sign plans should be submitted to the City of Concord Development Services office to obtain a sign permit.
