Business Resource Guide

CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE

A ROADMAP TO ACHIEVING SUCCESS

DearBusinessOwner,

We,attheCityofBoyntonBeach,expressoursincereappreciationto alltheentrepreneursandbusinessownerswhoarethefoundationof ourlocaleconomy.Weunderstandthededication,hardwork,and passionittakestostartandrunabusiness.OurgoalastheCityisto supportyourneedsandhelpyourbusinessthrive.Thiscomprehensive businessguideisdesignedtoprovideyouwithdetailedinformation, guidance,andresourcestoplan,manage,andgrowyourbusinessin BoyntonBeach.Weareheretocelebrateourbusinesseseverydayas thebackboneofourlocaleconomy.

-MayorTyPenserga

SERVICES & INCENTIVES

The City of Boynton Beach Economic Development Division is the point-of-contact for our business community offering a wide range of services to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners.

LIAISON SERVICES

The Economic Development Division is here to assist entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business and help our established businesses expand and scale up. We are here to guide businesses through City processes and regulations, act as a liaison with other City departments to streamline communication, and be a point-of-contact to answer any questions as they pertain to the City. The Economic Development Division also provide access to a variety of free small business resources that support entrepreneurs and small business owners.

SIZEUP BOYNTON BEACH

The Economic Development Division may be reached at 561 742 6014 for assistance

SizeUp Boynton Beach is a public-facing online platform that allows businesses to collect local market data to help businesses make better decisions. The goal of this platform is to help small businesses become more profitable and competitive through hyper-local market research. This is another tool the City of Boynton Beach can offer to help businesses understand the local market and become more competitive through easily-accessible data. SizeUp Boynton Beach can be accessed on the Economic Development Division’s webpage at www.boynton-beach.org/ED

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

The Economic Development Division administers grant programs that provide funding opportunities to local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Visit www.boynton-beach.org/grants or call 561742-6205 for more information on our current grant programs.

RIBBON-CUTTING PROGRAM

Are you opening a new business, completing a major renovation, or relocating to Boynton Beach? We are excited to celebrate this milestone with you! The City of Boynton Beach is here to support your success by offering a ribbon-cutting program to make your special moment memorable and promote it within the local community.

Program Eligibility Requirements:

1. The business must have an active Boynton Beach Local Business Tax Receipt.

The business must be located within Boynton Beach city limits.

2. The business must have a physical brick-and-mortar location.

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3. For new or relocating businesses, the event must be held within the first 6 months of opening the business

What We Offer:

1. Invitation to Elected Officials and City Staff

2. Scissors and Ribbon

3. Photography and Videography

Our ED staff will capture high-quality images and videos during the ceremony

These visual assets will be shared on our official social media platforms and website, showcasing your achievement and generating excitement within the community.

To submit an application for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, please visit www.boyntonbeach.org/ED

STARTING A BUSINESS

There are four simple steps to opening your new business in the City of Boynton Beach.

Step 1

VERIFY YOUR COMMERCIAL LOCATION

It is extremely important to verify if your proposed business is allowed at your anticipated commercial location prior to executing a lease agreement. To confirm your property’s use and determine if there are any conditions of approval, contact the City’s Planning & Zoning Division and electronically submit a Zoning Verification Letter Request Form. The form can be accessed through the SagesGov portal on the City’s website. Again, DO NOT sign a lease until you have received verification from the City that your proposed business is permitted at a specific commercial location.

For questions, please call the Planning & Zoning Division at 561-742-6260.

Any person, who maintains a permanent business, profession, or occupation, including home-based businesses, is required to obtain a local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and Certificate of Use and Occupancy (COU) prior to engaging in business. There is one online application for both.

Once your application is processed, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the fees associated with your BTR and COU. Once all payments are made, you will need to schedule an inspection of your business. All new business locations are inspected to ensure compliance with life/safety, building, environmental and zoning code requirements Inspections will be done by our Business Compliance Inspector and by the City’s Fire and Life Safety Division. Homebased businesses are excluded from inspections.

*All fees need to be paid before the inspection. If the fees aren’t paid the inspection will not be scheduled.

After your payment is received and your application and zoning inspection have been approved, your BTR and COU and occupancy will be sent to you via U.S. mail.

For questions regarding the BTR process, please contact the Building Department at 561-7426350.

For questions regarding commercial fire inspections, contact the Fire and Life Safety Division at 561-742-6600.

Step 4

APPLY FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT

Any person, including one-person and home- based businesses, selling merchandise or services in Palm Beach County is required to have a local Business Tax Receipt. Businesses must have both a Boynton Beach local Business Tax Receipt and Palm Beach County local Business Tax Receipt to operate their business in the City of Boynton Beach.

To apply and for more information on the Palm Beach County local Business Tax Receipt process visit pbctax.com/local-business-tax or call 561-355-2264.

RENOVATING COMMERCIAL SPACE?

SagesGov is the City’s electronic permitting platform where you can submit building permits, schedule inspections and check on the status of your project

Visit www.boynton-beach.org for more information on the permitting process.

For more information contact the City of Boynton Beach Building Department at 561-742-6350

PERMITTING

If you are moving your business into an existing building or renovating your commercial space, be sure to check with the City’s Building Department about building permit requirements. A building permit is required when you change the occupancy and/or choose to make improvements to your commercial space that involves structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, engineering, fire and life safety, site, or other alterations.

Most work will also require third-party verified, digitally signed/sealed drawings by a licensed architect or professional engineer. Be sure your professional is licensed by the State of Florida and hire licensed and insured general contractors. To verify if a contractor, architect, or engineer is licensed, you may visit: www.myfloridalicense.com. Permit applications and forms can be found on the City’s website at: www.boynton-beach.org.

Planning & Zoning

GRIDICS

The City of Boynton Beach has a next-generation municipal zoning technology platform, which brings a new level of transparency and ease of use to our zoning code. The platform allows anyone the ability to access the precise information they need specific to their parcel in an easy-to-use format. To launch Gridics visit www.boynton-beach.org/PZ.

With Gridics, you can:

Find the zoning district and future land use designation for any parcel in the City

Find parcel-specific regulations, including setbacks, maximum height, lot coverage, zoning district, and more;

Find regulations on fences, decks, porches, pools, sheds, and more;

Obtain a parcel-specific list of uses permitted at any parcel in the City;

Browse significant projects currently in review or recently approved;

Browse a 3D interactive map of the City and toggle a wide range of other data layers for a more comprehensive understanding of the City; and Bookmark, highlight, and use notation features in a digitalized zoning code, which will be updated in real-time as changes are adopted

ZONING VERIFICATION LETTERS

A Zoning Verification Letter Request is a formal request for written information and verification from the City on zoning and land development regulations and data associated with real property. Requests for business use verification must include as much description about the business as possible, including all types of activities occurring at the site, hours of operations, square footage, and more For more information and to submit a formal request, visit www.boynton-beach.org/PZ.

A zoning verification letter does not grant an approval of a business. If you need approval of a business for a Palm Beach County Business Tax Receipt, you will first need to apply for a City of Boynton Beach Business Tax Receipt. Please contact the Business Tax Unit for more information.

BANNERS & TEMPORARY SIGNS

Standard Banners: less than 20 square feet for up to 90 days in a 12 month period.

Feather Banners: 10 square feet 6 inches total max height. 30 square feet total max width.

To view information on regulations and the requirements to apply for a permit to display a temporary sign, including feather banners, on commercial property, visit www.boyntonbeach org/PZ Please refer to the City’s Planning and Zoning page before purchasing any banners or temporary signs.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY GENERAL INFORMATION

WINDOW SIGNS

No more than 20% of any business’ windows shall be covered with stickers, signs, advertisements, etc.

Window signs beyond vinyl lettering require a permit.

SIDEWALK CAFÉ

An approved Minor Development Application is required for any outdoor dining/seating along public right-of-ways. The application can be accessed at: www.boynton-beach.org/PZ. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department for additional information.

All landscaping on commercial property must be maintained according to their current approved landscape plan This includes abutting right-of-ways and easements.

All approved landscaping must be kept in a healthy state and remain properly trimmed. Any dead vegetation, or trees, must be promptly removed and replaced. Any landscaping changes require submitting a Landscape Permit Application to the City of Boynton Beach Planning and Zoning Department Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 561-742-6260 for more information.

LANDSCAPING CHANGE OF EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR

An approved Minor Development Application is required for any change of exterior building paint color(s) for commercial properties. The application can be accessed at: www.boynton-beach.org/PZ. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department for additional information

COMMERCIAL GARBAGE AND RECYCLING SERVICES

All commercial garbage services must be provided by the City of Boynton Beach. Commercial recycling services can be provided by the City or any third-party vendor. The City does not offer commingled recycling, so contact the Solid Waste Authority at 561-640-4000 for information on commingled recycling services.

PROPERTY OWNER

For new property owners, call the City’s Customer Service Division to set up an account for commercial garbage and recycling services. If you already have commercial trash services and would like to modify and/or add to your services, please contact the Public Works Department.

Customer Service (set up an account) 561-742-6300

Public Works Department (modify and/or add services)

561-742- 6200 option 2

ROLL-OFF SERVICE

Available in 10, 20, or 30 yards. Roll- offs must be ordered online at boyntonbeach.org.

BULK SERVICE

Bulk service is available to businesses for an additional cost. Email PWAdmin@bbfl.us to request a quote and schedule a bulk pick-up.

TENANT BUSINESS

Verify with your landlord/property management company the commercial garbage and recycling services at your location. Those services may be included in your lease. Tenants must receive approval from their landlord/property management company for garbage and recycling services.

FRONT LOAD DUMPSTERS

The City must have free and clear access to the dumpster to have it serviced. The following items cannot be placed into the dumpsters: pallets, paint, dirt, vegetation, tires, glass, furniture, rocks, and other hazardous materials

To see the Fee Schedule, visit www.boynton-beach.org and to order a front load dumpster, email PWAdmin@bbfl.us.

HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE CITY

Purchasing

The City’s procurement process varies, often depending upon the cost of the product or service required All requests for bids, qualifications, and proposals are posted on Bid&Tenders at boyntonbeach bidsandtenders net

Quotation

Micro Purchases – up to $4,999

A City department requests a written quotation from a prospective vendor and, if the quote is fair and reasonable, the department director can approve and Purchasing Services issues a contract and/or purchase order.

Small Purchases

$5,000 - $49,999

A City department requests three (3) written quotations from prospective vendors. The Department Director can approve the lowest, responsive, and responsible quote, and Purchasing Services can approve and issue a contract and/or purchase order.

Formal Bids and Proposals

over $50,000

Purchasing Services issues solicitations based on applicable requirements. The City Commission awards the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid, or the highest-ranked proposal. Purchasing Services can issue a contract, agreement, and/or purchase order.

Business Opportunities

The City of Boynton Beach utilizes Bids&Tenders to better connect with vendors regarding bidding opportunities. Bids&Tenders’ automated notification services will send new opportunities via email. In order to receive these notifications, your company must register at no cost with Bids&Tenders. Visit the Bids&Tenders registration site at boynton-beach.bidsandtenders.net, and select “Create Account“. On the registration form, enter the required information for your business, and be sure to select the City of Boynton Beach in the Agency Notifications area.

Local Business Preference

The City is proud to offer a local business preference of 5%, or 5 points, in the acquisition of goods and services. A bid or proposal submitted by a certified local firm that is located within the City of Boynton Beach for at least one (1) year will receive a 5% or $5,000, whichever is less, bid evaluation preference. Each proposal will be awarded the full 5 points allotted by each evaluation committee member. In order to be considered for a local business preference, a vendor must include the Local Business Status Certification Form at the time of submittal.

For more information on how to do business with the City, please contact our Financial Services Department at 561-742-6000 or Purchasing@bbfl.us.

BUSINESS SECURITY SURVEYS

Crime Prevention Officers can assist your business and conduct a confidential security survey. The survey will identify recommended security upgrades to help harden your business from burglars This program is free to all business owners in the City of Boynton Beach. Contact the Boynton Beach Police Department at 561-742-6848 or schrecengostd@bbfl.us.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR BUSINESSES FROM THE BOYNTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Remove valuables from storefronts to help reduce smash-and-grab thefts.

Remove all cash from the register and leave the drawer open.

Remove all signs from windows so police are able to easily see inside during patrols.

Consider installing an alarm monitoring system and allow PD access to monitor cameras from the Real Time Crime Center.

Clearly post signage on the door/window to indicate the premises is monitored by an alarm company and that no money is kept on the premises.

Landscaping shall not conflict with lighting to better promote longterm tree canopy growth.

Landscaping should not obstruct views from doors, windows, or walkways.

Timer clock or photocell lighting should be used at night.

Document serial numbers of computers or other equipment that might be pertinent if damaged/stolen.

To contact the Boynton Beach Police Department, please call the non-emergency line at 561-732-8116.

*In an emergency, please call 911

FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST

During annual fire safety inspections of commercial structures in our City, these common violations are often found. Please be sure to walk through your facility and correct any conditions that do not comply with these codes.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Records of all fire protection system inspections, tests, and maintenance shall be kept on the premises.

Sprinkler and fire alarm systems shall be serviced annually.

Fire protection systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and repaired where defective

EXITS

Exit corridors and doors shall not be visually or physically obstructed.

Commercial cooking fire protection systems shall be serviced semi-annually.

Hoods and grease removal devices shall be cleaned and recorded, and records shall state the extent, time, and date of cleaning. Records shall be maintained on premises.

Emergency lighting shall be tested and operational.

Exit doors should be able to be opened from inside without a key, special knowledge, or effort.

Exits shall be illuminated and visible at all times while the building is occupied, including during commercial power failures.

Fire doors and assemblies shall not be modified or otherwise impaired from the proper operation at any time (self-closing)

Combustible and Flammable Storage Electrical

Combustible materials (cardboard, paper, plastics, kerosene, paint, etc.) shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, or electrical equipment rooms

Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures.

Combustible storage shall be at least two feet below the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinkler heads.

Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling.

Flammable materials (gasoline, propane, alcohol, etc.) shall not be stored indoors. This includes fuel tanks of motorcycles, lawn care equipment, cooking equipment, etc.

Building Maintenace

All private hydrants, fire lanes, fire department connections (FDC), and control valves shall be clear, visible, and unobstructed.

The building address shall be clearly visible from the street, minimum six inches in height with a contrasting background.

A Knox box, with all entrance and interior keys for emergency access, is required for all structures.

Occupant load signs must be legible, permanent, and posted in a conspicuous location.

Door labels are required for rooms containing fire alarms, electrical, furnace, sprinkler, mechanical, and/or generator equipment.

A working space of no less than 36 inches wide shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. No storage is allowed within this designated workspace

Power strips (relocatable power taps) shall be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed, polarized, grounded and equipped with over current protection.

Power strips shall be directly connected to a permanently-installed receptacle. No "daisy chaining."

Power strip cords shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, nor be subject to environmental or physical damage.

Extension cords, multi-plug adapters or flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring

All electrical boxes shall be properly covered

Portable Fire Extinguisher

A minimum of one 10lb portable fire extinguisher shall be provided and properly tagged.

A Class K fire extinguisher shall be mounted within 30 feet of commercial food equipment using vegetable or animal oils.

Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed and shall be in a conspicuous location.

Fire extinguisher shall be mounted on a wall with a hanger at least four inches and no more than 60 inches above the floor.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

LOCAL RESOURCES

SCORE PALM BEACH COUNTY

www.palmbeachcounty.score.org

SCORE Palm Beach County provides free and confidential business mentoring to both new and existing small businesses. Mentors are successful realworld business professionals whose goal is to help existing and startup businesses succeed.

CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY, ENTERPRISE & DEVELOPMENT, INC.

www.tedcenter.org

The TED Center supports the successful development of entrepreneurs, small companies, and start-up businesses by offering an array of business support resources and services

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

(SBDC) at FAU

www.fau.edu/sbdc

The SBDC, in partnership with Florida Atlantic University, offers high-level consulting and training to small and medium-sized businesses in Broward and Palm Beach Counties Consultations are confidential, one-on-one, and can either be done virtually or inperson.

CAREERSOURCE PALM BEACH COUNTY

www.careersourcepbc.com

CareerSource Palm Beach County helps local businesses stay competitive through training grants and talent acquisition, and help job seekers find new jobs through career assessments, training and employment assistance.

FLORIDA WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER

www.flwbc.org

FLWBC assists women in achieving their dreams by helping them start, run, and grow successful businesses, regardless of social or financial disadvantage, race, ethnicity, or business background

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

www.bdb.org

The BDB is a private, not-for-profit corporation that is designated by the State of Florida and Palm Beach County Commission as Palm Beach County's official economic development organization

PALM BEACH COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

www discover pbcgov org/HED

Palm Beach County's Department of Housing and Economic Development administers programs for business development, housing, and community initiatives

PALM BEACH COUNTY OFFICE OF EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

www discover pbcgov org/OEBO

The OEBO’s mission is to ensure that all local small businesses have an equitable opportunity to participate in the County's procurement process Their purpose is to work with all Palm Beach County departments to provide support and technical assistance, while promoting the economic growth, expansion, and increased productivity of all small, minority, and womenowned business enterprises.

HISPANIC ENTREPRENEUR INITIATIVE

www.heiflorida.org

The Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI) Florida was founded by entrepreneurs who embody the unique characteristics of being immigrants from Latin America, and conducting business in the United States. The organization fosters economic prosperity in South Florida through business acculturation training and coaching for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

BOYNTON BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

www boyntonbeachcra com

The BBCRA serves the community by guiding redevelopment activities such as affordable housing, free business promotional events, and small business funding programs that create a vibrant downtown core and revitalizes neighborhoods within the Agency's 1,650 acres along the eastern edge of the City of Boynton Beach.

STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES

FLORIDACOMMERCE

www floridajobs org

ENTERPRISE FLORIDA, INC.

www.selectflorida.org

FloridaCommerce’s mission is to advance Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision, and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses, and communities The Department utilizes public and private sector expertise to attract, retain, and grow businesses and create jobs in Florida Enterprise Florida’s goal is to promote Florida as a premier business destination, and expand the state’s economy through private-sector job creation. Services include a broad spectrum of economic development efforts, from assisting businesses with location and expansion decisions, facilitating international trade and exports, to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

www sba gov

The Small Business Administration is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses SBA services include: financing for small businesses, free counseling and low-cost training, and federal contracting for small businesses.

CITY DEPARTMENT

CONTACTS

City Hall (561) 742-6000

Business Tax Receipts (561) 742-6350

City Clerk’s Office (561) 742-6060

Building (561) 742-6350

Planning & Zoning (561) 742-6260

Public Works (561) 742-6200

Utilities (561) 742-6300

Economic Development (561) 742-6014

Recreation & Parks (561) 742-6650

Police Administration (561) 742-6100

Fire Rescue (561) 742-6335

Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (561) 600-9090

NOTES

NOTES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

“YOUR GATEWAY TO BUSINESS”