Opening a business in Nolensville

1. Where can I locate a particular kind of business in Nolensville?
2. Where can I obtain a business license?
3. What is the approval process to open a business in existing building?
4. What is the approval process to open a new business in a building to be constructed?
5. What signs are permitted on the building and property?
6. What is the approval process to open and conduct a home occupation?

1 - Q. Where can I locate a particular kind of business in Nolensville.

A.  Look under Article 2 of the zoning ordinance, a copy of the zoning map may also be found illustrating the various zoning districts. You should also contact the planning department staff for specific use and location questions at 615-776-6691 or 6688.  Please note that not all land uses are permitted outright and some are permitted only with conditions which may require approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission.  In most cases it is best to contact and set an appointment with the town planning staff to discuss your proposed business.

2 - Q. Where can I obtain a business license.
A.  Nolensville does not currently require a business license but the county that the town resides in does.  You must obtain a Zoning Certificate from the Town prior to applying at the County.

• Contact the office of the county clerk, located in Franklin TN. 1320 West Main Street Franklin, TN 37064-3741, (615) 790-5712.

3 - Q. What is the approval process to open a business in existing building.
A.  Contact the planning department at 615-776-6688 or the town receptionist at 615-776-3633 to obtain the following information and forms.

• Application for Zoning Certificate.
• Business license only required from Williamson County. Contact the office of the county clerk, located in Franklin TN. 1320 West Main Street Franklin, TN 37064-3741, (615) 790-5712. Bring documentation of zoning compliance from Nolensville to satisfy county requirements.
• Existing buildings where a business does not require a change of use on the proposed site, a zoning certificate and site plan can usually be approved by town staff.
• After final inspections are approved a Certificate of Occupancy shall be obtained from town hall prior to opening the business.

4 - Q. What is the approval process to open a new business in a building to be constructed.
A.  Contact the planning department at 615-776-6688 town planning assistant at 615-776-6691 to obtain the following information and forms.

• New construction or change of use will require a site plan and approval from the planning commission. Submit site plan and meet all requirements

Note: A new land use or change of land use requires a pre-application conference with town staff.

• Submit construction plans and when approved obtain building permit from town.
• Business license only required from Williamson County. Contact the office of the county clerk, located in Franklin TN. Bring documentation of zoning compliance from Nolensville to satisfy county requirements.
• After final inspections are approved a Certificate of Occupancy shall be obtained from town hall.

5 - Q. What signs are permitted on the building and property.
A.  Permits are required for all permanent and some temporary signs. Sign regulations can be found in Appendix A of the zoning ordinance along with the appropriate forms. Sign requirements can be discussed at the pre-application conference with staff.

6 - Q. What is the approval process to open and conduct a home occupation.
A.  Operating a business from your home is only permitted with conditions.  These conditions limit the area allowed for the business, signage, traffic, on-site sales and more.  More information can be found in Article 2 of the zoning ordinance on what is allowed.

• Obtain a form called Home Occupation Application.
• You will need to prepare and submit this application to the town of Nolensville for review by staff. The information gathered includes items such as the nature of your business and certifies that you can meet all of the conditions required to operate in the area where your home is located.
• Assuming the applicant has met all conditions and following review and approval by town staff, the Town Planner will approve the application and provide documentation that is needed by the business owner to obtain a business license from the county or state, which ever is applicable.
• You will need to contact the office of the county clerk, to obtain a business license if applicable. The county clerk is located in Franklin TN at 1320 West Main Street Franklin, TN 37064-3741, (615) 790-5712.