Starting a Business
Welcome to the Big Bend Business Community
- Verify if your business is a permitted use and if there are parking constraints that may need approval.
- Obtain-and have approved- an Occupancy Permit before your business can open.
- Have approved any exterior signage or façade changes by the Village’s Plan Commission.
Big Bend Starting a New Business Brochure
It is our hope you become a valued business within the Village. You can always find information on current development projects and a portion of rental spaces within the Village through our Current Commercial and Infrastructure Projects Page.
It is most important that you determine that your business will meet Village Code requirements and existing ordinances. In that regard, it is highly recommended that you begin the review process with Village staff before signing a lease or purchase agreement. Speak to the Village Clerk or Planner first about your proposal. Then submit your proposal to the Village Clerk inside Village Hall (or call 262.662.2747 with your questions).
Zoning
Is the proposed business permitted at the location you have chosen?
Businesses in a given zoning district are classified under the code as “permitted uses” or “conditional uses”. If a business is identified as a “permitted use” in the zoning code, you would complete a Site Plan/Plan of Operations application and submit it to the Village Clerk. A business classified under the code as “conditional use” will require an application for a Conditional Use Permit for review by the Village Plan Commission which meets once per month.
Site Plan/Plan of Operations
Required for any new business in the Village. If you are an existing business but are changing the number of employees, times of operation, location of your business, etc, you will need to fill out the same form marked as an “amendment to plan of operations.” The cost of the Plan of Operations/Site Plan is $200.00 minimum fee with an additional $0.02 per sq. ft. If you are filling an amendment the fee is $150.00. We will need 11 copies of the plan of operations and site plan (certified survey map) showing the locations of all buildings, parking, septic, dumpster location, etc. We will also need 11 copies of a floor plan showing the interior layout of the business. All materials must be in the Clerk’s office two (2) weeks before the Plan Commission meeting.
To start an application, follow this link to the Site Plan/Plan of Operations Application
For information on the process and tips to help you through it, please follow this link to the Site Plan/Plan of Operations Process Map
Conditional Use Permit Information
If you need a Conditional Use permit for your business you will need to submit an Application for a Conditional Use Form to the Plan Commission. The Village Clerk or Village Planner can help you to navigate this process and to determine if a Conditional Use Permit is required. The cost of Conditional Use Permit is $500.00 for new or $150.oo for an amendment to an existing permit. The Village will need 20 copies of this form and all supporting documents. You will need to appear before the Plan Commission. A public hearing is then scheduled. It will come back to the Plan Commission for recommendation to the Village Board. The Board has final approval. The entire process should take approximately two (2) months to complete when all information and supporting documents are received and necessary conditions are met.
To start an application, follow this link to the Conditional Use Permit Application
For information on the process and tips to help you get through it, please follow this link to the Conditional Use Permit Process Map.
What applications and permits may be required for opening a business in Big Bend?
Various permits may be required before a business may open.
- Site Plan/Plan of Operation application
- Sign application
- Occupancy Permit
All businesses require approval of their Site Plan/Plan of Operations application through the Village Plan Commission and an approved Occupancy Permit. These will require review by the Village Planner, Building inspector and Fire Inspector. The Waukesha County Health Department Health Inspector is involved with businesses that offer food and beverages or massage. The applicant is required to schedule all appointments. You will receive a Certificate of Occupancy upon receipt of positive inspection reports that the various inspectors will provide to the Village.
A business may not open until a Certificate of Occupancy is received.
If you are proposing major physical alterations to a site, permits will be required for all construction activity. Building, electrical, plumbing and HVAC permit applications may be obtained through the Village Clerk’s Office or online at www.villageofbigbend.com. Failure to obtain a permit prior to starting work may result in required changes to make the work conform to the code as well as additional permit fees.
Incentives
The Village Planning & Development Department is here to help attract businesses and ensure that they succeed! The Village will help to provide as much information as possible regarding small business loans and government grants for your business.