If you own or manage a small business, the laws of your town or municipality can have a direct effect on various aspects of your operation. To avoid fines and legal liabilities, you’ll need to take these rules into account. While an attorney will help you plan to protect your best interests, the guide below may help you identify considerations for your enterprise. 

How Municipal Laws Can Affect Small Businesses

1. Zoning

Local zoning laws may put restrictions on what types of businesses can be located in particular areas. For example, manufacturing companies are typically limited to industrial zones, while other types of businesses such as retail shops and restaurants fall into their own categories under the general category of a commercial zone. Be aware that zoning can impact the design of your premises. Rules can also change over time. 

2. Health & Safety

Sometimes a municipal law is designed to protect the well-being of a company’s employees, customers, and visitors. These laws may govern aspects of your business, such as making sure a facility meets the local fire and electrical codes. Food preparation regulations exist so that commercial kitchens pass health inspections that protect the public. 

3. ADA Compliance

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. For a business, this means making reasonable accommodations for employees who have either temporary or permanent disabilities, as well as ensuring that the building has features such as ramps, designated restroom stalls, and ADA parking. An attorney will help you identify areas where you may need to improve accessibility. 

4. Construction

Municipal law may restrict various aspects of the physical structure of your business such the size or height of the building, the number of exits, and how far the building must be set back from the street. If you wish to make changes to your structure, you may be required to get certain permits from local government offices before beginning your project.

5. Signage

Local sign ordinances determine what type or size of signage you can have for your business, as well as where it should be located. For example, municipal law may place height restrictions on signage, prohibit installing signs near driveways where they impair traffic visibility, or restrict the use of neon lighting in certain neighborhoods.

With offices in New Haven and Hartford, CT, and Warwick, RI, Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C. provides reliable, affordable legal representation in a variety of practice areas. Whether you need a business law attorney to assist you with variances, permits, and violations, or you’re looking for help with estate planning, employment law, or civil disputes, their team of experts offers comprehensive legal guidance you need. Schedule a consultation with an attorney by calling their New Haven office at (203) 789-0001, their Hartford location at (860) 380-5323, or their Warwick office at (401) 244-9048. Visit their website to learn more about the practice.