Locating Your Business in Arlington

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates more than 30 occupations and professions through 19 boards composed of practitioners and citizens appointed by the Governor.

If you believe your industry sector is regulated by the state, visit DPOR’s Web site. You’ll be able to download the appropriate forms and register for courses.

The location of your business is extremely crucial to the success of your business. There are 3 types of zoned business locations in Arlington: home-based, retail or commercial.

Home-Based Business

If you are planning to start a business in your home you must fill out a home occupancy permit through the Arlington County Zoning Office as well as a parking space disclosure. There is no additional cost associated acquiring a home occupancy permit.

Note: If you reside in an apartment building, check with your leasing agent to ensure there are no restrictions on operating a business out of your rental unit.

If you need to lease space in Arlington it is highly recommended you speak with Arlington Economic Development, hire a broker and start six months to one year in advance. Space in Arlington can be highly competitive. Before you speak with a broker, make sure you know how much space you need and the amount you can afford per square foot. This is where the business plan comes in handy!

Retail Business
Construction Permit
When do you need a Permit?
The Permit Process (PDF file; Adobe Acrobat required)
Certificate of Occupancy
Signage
Does your business involve food? Click here

Commercial Business

Construction Permit
When do you need a Permit?
The Permit Process (PDF file; Adobe Acrobat required)
Certificate of Occupancy
Signage

ADA Requirements

As a small business owner, you will need to familiarize yourself with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are certain federal requirements in the build out and maintenance of both commercial and retail locations.

Please review the small business publication on the ADA Web site to ensure that your business complies with ADA requirements.

Recycling

A business is required by law to recycle the two recyclable materials it generates in the greatest quantities. They must submit a recycling plan with Arlington's Department of Environmental Services within thirty days of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy and have an operational recycling program in place within ninety days. Forms are available online. If a business qualifies for a Home Occupancy Permit, it is exempt from this requirement. For additional information contact: Department of Environmental Services Solid Waste Division
4300 S. 29th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22206
703-228-6570

To register & organize your business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

The State Forms may be found here.

A Fictitious Trade Name is required to be filed when a business is operating under an assumed name. If the company is incorporated with the Commonwealth of Virginia and is doing business in Arlington County under the corporate name, the company does not have to register the name at the County level. If the company is incorporated in a different state, then it must register with the State Corporation Commission in Richmond Virginia as a foreign corporation.

There are three types of Fictitious Trade Name applications:

1. Individual (Sole Proprietorship)
2. Partnership (General or Limited)
3. Corporation (Corporation and Limited Liability Corporation)

If a company is incorporated with the Commonwealth of Virginia and is doing business in Arlington County under a fictitious name, the Company must register the fictitious trade names at the County level. The Arlington County Commissioner of Revenue will register your official trade name. Submit forms online to the Commissioner's Office.

The Business License is the way you pay for your local taxes.

Business License Tax

The Commissioner of Revenue assesses Arlington County business privilege license taxes on business conducted in Arlington County, including home-based businesses. New businesses must apply for the initial business license prior to opening or conducting their business activities. Applications for renewals of licenses by existing businesses must be filed by March of each year.

Business Tangible Personal Property Tax

Arlington County levies a tax on tangible personal property located in Arlington on January 1 and used in a trade or business. This includes items such as furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, and programmable computer equipment. Businesses must itemize personal property and/or equipment, giving its date of acquisition and original purchase price. You must file a return by May 1; payment is due by September 5. Business tangible personal property tax is not prorated if you should cease business during the year.

Other Business Taxes

The following taxes are levied on industry specific activities: Short-Term Rental Tax applies to certain rental businesses such as video rental stores. Transient Occupancy Tax applies to hotel, motel, or tourist home room or space rentals. Meals, Food, and Beverage Tax must be charged by a seller for prepared foods sold in Arlington.

Local Contracting

Arlington County Government is a Central Purchasing Agency. Register your business to receive e-mails regarding upcoming business opportunities.

State Contracting

The Commonwealth of Virginia as well as many local jurisdictions in Virginia use the Commonwealth’s purchasing engine. The Commonwealth spends approximately $8 billion a year in the purchase of goods and services. There is a fee to participate in this service.

Arlington Employment Center

One of Arlington’s best kept secrets for business owners is the Arlington Employment Center. This Arlington County department can help you find the right employees without paying a fee. Click here to learn more.

Workforce Services – Commonwealth of Virginia Programs

The Workforce Services division of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance provides customized recruiting and training services to companies that are creating new jobs or experiencing technological change. With strong support from the Governor and the General Assembly, Workforce Services' programs are completely state-funded.

Learn if you’re eligible to benefit from Workforce Services Programs.

There are many opportunities to promote your business to potential clients, the business community and more via networking opportunities. Where to begin? The following lists are potential business organizations you can join to get out the name of your business to your community:

Arlington Economic Development
Arlington Chamber of Commerce
Ballston Partnership
Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization
Clarendon Alliance
Rosslyn Renaissance and the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID)
The Crystal City BID