WELCOME PACKET & BUSINESS GUIDE

Transcription

1 Doing Business in Historic Gettysburg WELCOME PACKET & BUSINESS GUIDE MAIN STREET GETTYSBURG, INC. 59 E. HIGH STREET, #3 GETTYSBURG, PA UPDATED SEPTEMBER

2 This guide was prepared by the staff of Main Street Gettysburg along with the following contributing partners: Comments and inquiries should be addressed to: Main Street Gettysburg 59 E. High Street, #3 Gettysburg, PA The mission of Main Street Gettysburg is to work with community partners for the preservation, revitalization and improvement of the Historic District of Gettysburg for the benefit of its citizens, businesses, and visitors. Main Street Gettysburg, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization registered in the state of Pennsylvania. 2

3 Table of Contents Welcome Page 4 Gettysburg Fast Facts Page 5 Tourist Demographics Page 5 Historic Downtown Page 6 Map of Historic District Page 6 Resources Page 7 11 Adams County Economic Development Corporation Page 8 Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce Page 8 Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association Page 9 Destination Gettysburg Page 9 Main Street Gettysburg Page 10 Borough of Gettysburg Page 11 General Suggestions Page 12 Reference Guide Page Checklist for Business Start-Up Page 16 Borough Forms Page

4 Welcome to the community of Gettysburg! Gettysburg, the county seat of Adams County, is in the south-central region of Pennsylvania and is famed as a tourist location, especially as a crossroads for five major eastern cities. Baltimore 60 miles Washington, D.C. 85 miles Philadelphia 140 miles Pittsburgh 195 miles New York City 210 miles Just above the Maryland border, the fields and streets of Gettysburg served as the backdrop for the turning point of the Civil War. A few months later, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address to commemorate the fallen and dedicate the Gettysburg National Cemetery. As a rural village before the Civil War, Gettysburg was known as an agricultural region that specialized in shoes and orchards. Apple, peach, and pear orchards continue to make up a large portion of the area s economy with support from grape, wine, and dairy industries. With all of these advantages, Gettysburg s tourism industry draws over 3 million visitors each year to experience its many attractions. 4

5 Gettysburg Fast Facts General Demographics for the Gettysburg Borough Population: 7,620 Median household income: $29,840 Total households: 2,541 Average household: 2.17 persons Average family size: 2.94 persons Land area in square miles: 1.7 Persons per square mile: 4,587 Source: 2010 Census Tourist Demographics The following figures and facts were reported by the 2013 Gettysburg Visitor Study conducted by Dr. Susan Ryan and a study team from California University of Pennsylvania. Over 3 million visitors annually 97.5% of tourists were from the United States. 87.2% are traveling to Gettysburg for leisure See more statistics at: 5

6 The Historic Downtown District Gettysburg s historical downtown district stretches across several major avenues: Baltimore Street Carlisle Street Chambersburg Street Steinwehr Avenue York Street Store Front Data as of August 2015 Located in the Historic District of Gettysburg o 45+ food & drink businesses o 15+ lodging options o 20+ attractions o 10+ attorney offices o 75+ merchants o 50+ miscellaneous services o 10+ professional offices 6

7 Resources Zero-Interest Loan Program (ZILP) is a financial incentive opportunity to rehabilitate commercial buildings in the Historic District of Gettysburg. It is a commercial revitalization program funded from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Through the program, Main Street Gettysburg offers zero-interest loans to commercial property owners, up to $15,000, per building facade, as an incentive to make improvements and correct code deficiencies within the Historic District. Facade Improvement Program (FIP) is a financial incentive opportunity to help rehabilitate commercial buildings in the Historic District of Gettysburg. Main Street Gettysburg has been awarded several grants for Facade Improvement from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This program allows qualified commercial property owners within the town's Historic District to be reimbursed for specific sign, paint, design and storefront facade projects. Reimbursements are up to $5,000 per project and must be matched dollarfor-dollar by the applicant. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost confidential consulting and low cost training in proven management fundamentals helping small business owners and potential entrepreneurs make sound decisions for the successful operation of their business. 7

8 Adams County Economic Development Corporation Mission: To enhance the business retention and expansion efforts in Adams County. By doing so, ACEDC is able to assist with business needs such as Financing, Relocation, Training and Expansion. An ACEDC Membership includes benefits based on contribution level, see more at: Contact: Robin Fitzpatrick (717) Growth in Adams County ACEDC is equally committed to attracting new businesses to Adams County, enhancing the overall economic growth of Adams County through increased tax base and the creation of new jobs for our citizens. ACEDC is a private, 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization serving Adams County, Pennsylvania. The Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce Mission: To support the Adams County area by promoting diverse economic opportunities through advocacy, networking and information. As a member you gain many advertising, networking, recognition and information opportunities. A Chamber Membership includes: Business Counseling Cost saving programs on health insurance & business services Member-to-Member Discount Program Some of the advertising opportunities include: Member Spotlight in Chamber Chat Free Ad in Hanover Evening Sun Display space in Chamber office Contact: Carrie Stuart (717) Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization serving Adams County, Pennsylvania. 8

9 Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association Mission: To help create, promote, advertise, and represent the better business interest of the membership of the organization. The organization offers cooperative marketing and advertising opportunities. A GARMA Membership includes: Gift Certificate Program Shopping Bag Program First Friday Events Winter Coupon Book Contact: Kathy Gilbert (717) GARMA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation serving the Gettysburg area. Destination Gettysburg Destination Gettysburg is a membership-based organization that assists the visitor, their members and the community. Their activities are based on the value to the visitor, member, and community and to the overall economic impact on Adams County. It is their mission to promote Gettysburg and all of Adams County as a premier travel destination. Membership benefits include: Advertising Training Partnerships Networking opportunities among other members A directory and website listing with advertising opportunities in newsletters and the annual visitors guide. Contact: Promoting Tourism in Adams County Another facet of the Destination Gettysburg mission is to promote tourism and its positive economic benefits. This mission is achieved by aggressive marketing and building partnerships with federal, state and local entities while maximizing all available resources. Norris Flowers (717) Destination Gettysburg is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation serving Adams County, Pennsylvania. 9

10 Main Street Gettysburg Main Street Gettysburg is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to the preservation and revitalization of Historic Gettysburg for the benefits of its citizens, businesses and visitors. With a Board of Directors comprising many of the town s most influential directors, Main Street Gettysburg cultivates partnerships that lead to new investment in Historic Gettysburg. Main Street Gettysburg also offers façade improvement grants and coordinates and facilitates many development projects. The four main categories for Main Street Gettysburg are: Revitalization ~ Steinwehr Avenue ~ Baltimore Street ~ Ten Year Plan Historic Preservation ~ Seminary Ridge Museum ~ David Wills House ~ Train Station Financial Programs ~ Façade Improvement Grants ~Zero Interest Loans Contact: Business Support ~ Main Street Minutes ~ Business Advocate to Borough ~ Retreats Deb Adamik (717)

11 Borough of Gettysburg The zoning ordinances of Gettysburg very thoroughly regulate land use. The Borough manages these zoning laws and regulations, as well as: Building and Sign Permits Subdivision and Land Use Permits Historic District Requirements Mandatory Recycling Programs Depending on the business, you might need to obtain a license to operate in the Borough. Different licenses and permits that are required annually include: Amusement License Walking Tour Permit Carriage Tour License Contact: Borough Office

12 General Suggestions Know your township or borough. While much of the surrounding area assumes the town name of Gettysburg, the Borough of Gettysburg is very small, bordered by Cumberland Township, Straban Township, and Mount Joy Township. These distinctions are marked only by a small sign along the road, but zoning laws in each municipality are different. For more information, consult the appropriate maps and borough and township offices. Research the market. Understand that Gettysburg and Adams County must respond to the local market for success, but also to the tourist market to enhance business. Know that your business can succeed before investing. Understand the area s atmosphere. History plays a large role in Gettysburg s economy. Do not plan to open a storefront that visually contrasts from the rest of the area. This can draw a harsh reaction from residents and alienate potential customers. Market year round. This might sound like obvious advice, but do not just market during the summer or tourist season. Use any or all of the following: The Gettysburg Times, The Merchandiser, The Gettysburg Experience, The Hanover Evening Sun, the internet, the business organizations, local radio and television stations, mailings, coupons, billboards, brochures, civic organizations, local events, and any other medium. Plan for the worst. Although Gettysburg has been resistant to downturns in the economy, with no drop in visitors, businesses still need to prepare for years of increased costs and reduced customer traffic. Staying open during hard economic times is vital. Keeping your business open at least four days a week can help the slack of the economic times but also keep your business running. Get the correct permits and licenses. Be sure to get all permits before starting operations, including building and sign permits. Take advantage of everything available to you. That includes all of the organizations listed here and their services, but also includes more simple pleasures. Watch the sunset over the battlefields, follow a bike trail, frequent the farmers markets, and enjoy the events. Gettysburg offers many types of entertainment and stress relief on top of the business opportunities. Use them to maintain happiness and success. 12

13 Doing Business in Historic Gettysburg Reference Guide Main Street Gettysburg, Inc. 59 E. High Street, #3 Gettysburg, PA Gettysburg Borough Office 59 E. High Street Gettysburg, PA Adams County Building Permits Adams County Courthouse (2 nd Floor) Baltimore Street Gettysburg, PA Food Service Inspection PA Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety Inspections P.O. Box 5184 Harrisburg, PA Liquor License Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Taxes Local Taxes PA DCED State Taxes - PA Department of Revenue Federal Taxes - Internal Revenue Service 13

14 Adams Electric Cooperative 1338 Biglerville Road Gettysburg, PA Met-Ed Century Link Telephone Service Comcast Communications IESI Waste Solutions Columbia Gas York Adams Tax Bureau Adams County Economic Development Corporation 1300 Proline Place Gettysburg, PA Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce 1382 Biglerville Road Gettysburg, PA Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association Destination Gettysburg 571 W. Middle Street Gettysburg, PA

15 OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC Small Business Administration rd Street, SW Washington, DC Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Shippensburg University 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA

16 Checklist for Business Start-Up Planning Activities: Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number Secure Financing, if needed Establish a bank account for your business Establish record-keeping procedures for financial management, marketing, personnel, maintenance, etc. Secure insurance for your business General Start-Up Activities Determine the business you want to start and assess the following: Do you have the qualifications for the business? Is there feasibility of making that business profitable? Conduct research on your industry, target market and competition Select a location and analyze it for traffic, parking, customer and delivery access Investigate all start-up procedures specific to your industry Write a business plan that includes your strategies for management, marketing, production and financial contingencies Develop a list of all potential monthly expenses Consider saving at least 6 months of liquid working capital to get through the off-season Determine potential sources of financing for your type of business Develop a list of all equipment and purchases required to start your business and identify the cost of each Research potential suppliers and investigate credit terms Develop descriptions of all duties within your firm and determine the person responsible for each If you Plan to Employ One or More : Federal Income Tax and Social Security Tax Withholding Info: TAX-1040 Worker s Compensation Insurance Info: York-Adams Tax Bureau for Local Services Tax Info:

17 Borough Permitting for New Businesses Overview: When opening a new business there are possibly 5 permits that may be required before opening your business: Permits Required by ALL new businesses: Land Use Permit All businesses are required to acquire this permit. The purpose is to ensure compliances of all Borough regulations for zoning and applicable ordinances. Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit All businesses are required to acquire this permit. This is to ensure that the building and space is compliant with any building codes. Additional permits that may be necessary for new businesses: Commercial Building Permit Required if structural renovations to the interior are necessary. The purpose is to ensure that the building and space is compliant with any commercial building codes. Sign Permit This is required for signs used on the outside of the building. The purpose is to demonstrate compliance with the Borough s sign ordinance. Certificate of Appropriateness This is required if the business is located in the Borough s Historic District. The purpose is to ensure any exterior renovations uphold the historic integrity for the district. The Certificate of Use and Occupancy and Land Use permits are required by all new businesses in the Borough prior to opening the business and prior to applying for any other permits. The following information contains the specifics about each permitting process. You can find more information on the Borough website at: 17

18 Land Use Permit *Required prior to applying for Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit Application and building permits. - Who? All new businesses prior to opening -Purpose: All businesses are required to acquire this permit. The purpose is to ensure compliances of all Borough regulations for zoning and applicable ordinances. - Application found: In this packet or pick up at Borough Office - Cost: $ Process: Complete application and submit it to the Borough Planning Department. Once approved the Borough Planning Department will The Borough Planning Department will contact you with an approval, request for additional information or denial within 5 business days. Once approved, the Borough Planning Department will attach the approved permit to any other permits applications that have been submitted and release these applications for review. - Information needed for application: Contractor Information Cost of project Type of Improvement Proposed use - Submitted to: Borough Planning Department at the Borough Building - Lead time for submission: Borough Review 5 business days - Reviewed by: Borough Planning Office for compliance of all applicable Borough ordinances and regulations - Contact Information: Borough Planning Office , extension Special considerations or instructions: -Note that this permit is required for the Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit Application 18

19 Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit - Who? All new businesses -Purpose: All businesses are required to acquire this permit. This is to ensure that the building and space is compliant with any building codes. - Application found: In this packet or pick up at Borough Office - Cost: Set by the Pennsylvania Municipal Code Association (PMCA) based upon the scope of the project and PMCA s fee pricing list. Contact to acquire a fee pricing list. - Process: Submit all information for the Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit Application along with the Land Use Application to the Borough Planning Department at the Borough Office. Upon approval of the Land Use Permit, the Borough Planning Department will attach the approved Land Use Permit and release the Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit for review. After submitting all required documents, your application will be reviewed by the Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance (PMCA). Applicant may be contacted for any questions or additional information throughout the process from either the Borough Planning Department or PMCA When the project is approved, you will be notified by the Borough Planning Department. Prior to scheduling the required occupancy inspection, all charges must be paid. Be advised additional fees may be applied, throughout the project, for failed or missed inspections. - Application Information Required: Two copies of the Completed Certificate of Use and Occupancy Application. This application can be found on the Borough website or picked up at the Borough office. Land Use Permit (signed and approved by the Borough). Two copies of the detailed floor plan with all the following: Dimension of entire structure, number of floors, use of each floor, and all interior rooms on all floors. Proposed or existing use for all areas. (Clear description of the existing or proposed use is necessary). Location of all exits and door swings. Location of restroom(s) with dimensions. Emergency lights with remote heads at the exterior of all designated exits, exit signs and tactile exit signs for all designated exits. Location of fire extinguishers. Must be signed and sealed by an engineer if this is for commercial use. Two copies of site plan (include all existing structures, any proposed structure and their distances to all lot lines). Copy of the Contractors Certificate of Liability Insurance if contracting out the work OR if doing the work yourself submit a signed Workers Compensation Certificate of Liability. Driving directions from a known landmark or intersection. - Submitted to: Borough Planning Department , extension Lead time for submission: Within 30 business days of the application review start date. This may depend on the approval of the Land Use permit approval. - Reviewed by: Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance (PMCA) The Borough s building code official - Contact Information: Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance (PMCA) and Borough Planning Department ext

20 Commercial Building Permit - Who? New businesses where structural renovations to the interior are necessary. Note that minor maintenance to a tenant space (e.g. painting walls) does not require a building permit. -Purpose: Required if structural renovations to the interior are necessary. The purpose is to ensure that the building and space is compliant with any commercial building codes. - Application found: In this packet or pick up at Borough Office - Cost: Costs are determined by the Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance (PMCA). Fee lists can be obtained by calling PMCA at All charges must be paid prior to obtaining the permit. These charges could include administrative fees and inspection fees. Additional fees may be applied throughout the project for failed or missed inspections. - Process: Complete and submit application to Borough Planning Department. PMCA will review the application and contact applicant no later than 30 business days upon receipt of the application. Upon approval, all charges must be paid prior to scheduling an inspection - Application Information Required: Completed three page Commercial Building Permit Application (must be legible and signed). Land Use Permit (signed and approved by the Borough). Two sets of drawings (drawings must be signed and sealed by architect/engineer). Two copies of site plan (include all existing structures, proposed structure and their distances to all lot lines). Submit the Current Certificate of Use and Occupancy if applicable (required when altering an existing structure or creating an addition to an existing structure). Energy compliance documentation if applicable to this project. Copy of the Contractors Certificate of Liability Insurance if contracting out the work OR if doing the work yourself submit a signed Workers Compensation Certificate of Liability. Driving directions from a known landmark or intersection. - Submitted to: Borough Planning Department at the Borough Building - Lead time for submission According to state law, the Borough has 30 business days to process a commercial building permit; often a permit application usually can be reviewed and issued in less time. - Reviewed by: Pennsylvania Municipal Code Association (PMCA) - Contact Information: Borough Planning Office: , extension 224 For technical questions, PMCA at

21 Sign Permit - Who? Businesses after a Certificate of Use and Occupancy is obtained - Purpose: This is required for signs used on the outside of the building. The purpose is to demonstrate compliance with the Borough s sign ordinance. - Application found: In this packet or pick up at Borough Office - Cost: $40.00 payable to the Borough - Process: Complete all information on the sign application and submit to Borough Planning Department. Borough Planning Department will notify applicant within 5 business days of their decision. --Application Information Required: The amount of signage permitted is limited to one square foot per linear footage of the front of the property to a maximum of 50 square feet. A site plan showing the position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures. Photographs of the building or site where the sign is to be installed, as well as the adjacent buildings. Two (2) blueprints or ink drawings, an electronic PDF file, or a computer generated drawing of the design to scale, to include plans, specifications and dimensions, materials, lighting, weight, method of construction and method of attachment to the building or the ground, or other structure. The installer of any sign within the public right of way, shall provide a certificate of liability insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000 listing the Borough of Gettysburg as an additional insured. Name and address of the person installing the sign. Any UCC permit required and issued for said sign. Any sidewalk permit required and issued for said sign. Such other information as may be required by the Borough to show full compliance with this Chapter and all other laws and ordinances of the Borough. - Submitted to: Borough Planning Department - Lead time for submission: Borough Review 5 business days - Reviewed by: Borough Planning Department for compliance of all applicable Borough ordinances and regulations - Contact Information: Borough Planning Department , extension Special considerations or instructions: The type of signs permitted depends on the location of the business. For example, internally illuminated signs are NOT permitted in the Borough s Historic District. 21

22 Certificate of Appropriateness Historic Architectural Review Board - Who? All new businesses prior to opening - Purpose: This is required if the business is located in the Borough s Historic District. The purpose is to ensure any exterior renovations uphold the historic integrity for the district. - Application found: In this packet or pick up at Borough Office - Cost: No Cost - Process: The application is completed and submitted to the Borough Planning Department This information must be submitted to the Borough Planning Department within 2 weeks of the monthly scheduled HARB Committee. After the Borough Planning Department review, it is put on the HARB Committee schedule for the following meeting. Upon approval of the HARB Committee (they meet monthly) it is submitted to the Borough Council on their monthly agenda. (Note: If there is anything that delays the HARB approval, monthly schedules of HARB meetings and Council meetings must be considered.) Application Information Required: Nine copies of the application form; Nine sets of photographs of building and property and/or neighboring properties; Nine sets of drawing and/or architectural renderings (if applicable); and Nine sets of materials samples. - Submitted to: Borough Planning Department at the Borough Office - Lead time for submission: Approximately 6 weeks for Borough Council s approval if the application is submitted 2 weeks prior to the monthly HARB Committee meeting. The schedule for these meetings should be on Borough website. - Reviewed by: Borough Planning Office and the HARB Review Board for compliance of all applicable Borough Historic District ordinances and regulations - Contact Information: Borough Planning Department ext Special considerations or instructions 22