Doing Business in Wilton

Getting Down to Business

The Town of Wilton and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce welcome you to the business community. This One-Stop Checklist and the services described are designed to help answer questions about permits and procedures you must follow to operate a business or complete a development project in the Town of Wilton. (See also frequently asked questions link under Legislative Activities.)

The permits you will need depend upon the type of business you plan to operate or the type of development you propose to construct. Read the description of each permit to help you determine which are applicable to your business or development.

Many permits, especially the building or land use permits, require information beyond the scope of this brochure. Please call the department that issues the permit to clarify any questions that are not discussed in this brochure.

Land Use Issues

Before applying for any permits, you should make sure that the proposed use of the property is permitted in the zone in which the property is located.

You will need the exact address of the property or the assessor's map and lot number. If you are the property owner, this number can be obtained from your real estate tax bill. If you are a lessee, your landlord will have the number. Assessor's map and lot numbers are also on file in the Assessor's office located in the Town Hall, 238 Danbury Road.

Once you have the map and lot number, go to the Planning and Zoning office (located in the Town Hall Annex, 238 Danbury Road) to check property's zone. The staff will assist you in determining whether the proposed use is consistent with the zone of the property, and what permits or approvals are required.

Before submitting plans for new construction, changes or additions to your property, you should make an appointment with the Town Planner or Assistant Town Planner to discuss the project. By meeting before your final plans are drawn, you will save both time and money.

One-Stop Directory of Departments & Agencies*

*As of February 2007

Alcoholic Beverages

Department of Consumer Protection
Liquor Control Division
860-713-6200 The sale of alcoholic liquor is permitted in all establishments operating under restaurant permits between the hours of 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. A restaurant permit may be obtained from the Department of Consumer Protection - Liquor Control Division. The annual fee for such permit is $1,200. See Food Service Establishments section below for local license information for restaurants and other food service establishments.

Business License

A business license is not required to conduct business in the Town of Wilton. However, this does not relieve you of your obligation to comply with other state and regulatory codes, such as specialized business permits, home occupation permits, town zoning, building and fire codes.

Commercial Building Permit

Building Inspector: 563-0177

A Building Permit is required for any change of occupancy or when you plan to physically change the exterior or interior of the building you plan to occupy. It must be issued before you start any construction or remodeling. A schedule of permit fees is available from the Building Inspector's office. The Town of Wilton has adopted and follows the Boca National Building code in conjunction with the Connecticut State Building Supplement.

If you are going to construct a commercial building, you may need approval from the Inland Wetland Commission. In addition, a site plan or special permit will be required from the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to obtaining a zoning permit or building permit for the construction of said building.

Demolition of Buildings

Building Inspector: 563-0177

A demolition permit is required from the Building Inspector if you intend to demolish any building or structure which is (1) larger than 500 square feet in total size, and (2) either was constructed more than 50 years prior to the demolition permit application, or is less than 50 years old but is included on the Cultural Resource Survey of Wilton, Connecticut conducted in 1989 and on file in the Wilton History Room of the Wilton Library Association, Inc. and in the Town Clerk's Office. The application fee is $25.00, plus an additional $15.00 if the building is over 50 years of age.

Design Review

Planning and Zoning Commission: 563-0185

Any development in Wilton Center must comply with the Wilton Center Design Guidelines for Streetscapes that are on file in the office of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

In addition any new development in Wilton Center must be submitted to the Design Advisory Committee for review prior to the approval of any site plan or special permit for the development.

Employer Registration

Federal: Internal Revenue Service: 800-829-3676
State: Department of Revenue Services: 800-382-9463

If you are an employer, a corporation or a limited liability company you are required to obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN). In order to do this a form SS-4 must be filed by either mail, fax or phone with the Internal Revenue Services. There is no charge for filing this form. In addition, anyone who maintains an office or does business in Connecticut and who is an employer who must be registered with the Internal Revenue Services also must register with the Department of Revenue Services of the State of Connecticut in order to remit to the State income taxes withheld from employee wages. The application to be

Fictitious Name Statement
Town Clerk: 563-0107

If you are conducting a business under a name other than your surname, corporate name, or limited liability company name, you need to file in the Town Clerk's office in which your business is being conducted, a certificate stating the name under which such business is to be conducted and the full name and address of each person, corporation or limited liability company using such name. The statement must be signed and acknowledged before an authority qualified to administer oaths. The fee for filing this statement is $10 for the first page and $5 for every page thereafter. The Town Clerk will keep an alphabetical index of all the names of persons, corporations, partnerships or limited liability companies

Food Service Establishments
Director of Health: 563-0175

A food-service establishment is defined as "any place where food or beverage that is intended for individual service and consumption routinely is provided completely prepared." This does not include private homes where food is prepared for family consumption nor does it include the location of food vending machines. To operate a food-service establishment, you must obtain a valid license from the Director of Health. In order to obtain a license you must comply with the requirements of the Food-Service Establishments Ordinance of Wilton and the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut. A valid license must be posted in every food establishment. The license is good for one year and may be renewed annually upon reapplication and payment of an annual fee. The fees range from $10 to $50 depending

Going Out of Business Sale
Chief of Police: 834-6256

If you want to conduct or advertise any retail sale of personal property which may cause the public to believe that such sale (a) will offer damaged or altered property, (b) will cause the business to be discontinued, or (c) was a result of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, then you must obtain a license from the Chief of Police. The fees for such license range from $25 to $75 depending on the time frame of the sale. The maximum period for the license is sixty days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays. In addition to obtaining a license, there are restrictions and requirements related to advertising, inspection periods, and the size, content and location of inventory. The aforementioned requirements do not apply to: (1) public officials and persons acting pursuant to an order or process of a court, (2) duly licensed auctioneers selling at an auction, or (3) persons regularly

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission consists of five members whose charter is to establish and administer historic districts for the purpose of promoting the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the Town. They accomplish this goal by preserving and protecting the buildings, places and districts of historic interest through the maintenance of such landmarks and by the development of appropriate settings for such buildings, places and districts. There are currently four historic districts established within the Town.

Home Occupation Permit
Zoning Enforcement Officer: 563-0163

One home occupation or professional office may be conducted as an accessory use in residential districts, subject to compliance with the regulations therefore set forth in the Wilton Zoning Regulations concerning the size, appearance, type, and number and type of employees of such home occupation or professional office. A zoning permit is required from the Zoning Enforcement Officer for such home occupation, however, there is no fee for such permit.

Income Tax
Federal: Tax Information and Assistance: 800-829-1040
State: Department of Revenue Services: 800-382-9463

For information regarding employee withholding, self-employment tax, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company and corporation taxes, contact the Internal Revenue Service, Connecticut Department of Revenue Services or your accountant.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourse
Director of Environmental Affairs Inland Wetlands Commission: 563-0180

The Inland Wetlands Commission was established to conserve, protect, supervise and regulate the wetlands and watercourses within the Town of Wilton. A map entitled "Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Map for the Town of Wilton, Connecticut" delineates the location and boundaries of inland wetlands and the general location of watercourses. Copies of the map are available in the office of the Town Clerk and the Inland Wetlands Commission. However, the map is merely a guide, and only a Certified Soil Scientist can determine, by field inspection and testing, the actual location of a wetland or watercourse. In the event any construction or alteration of your property is considered a regulated activity, pursuant to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Regulations of the Town of Wilton, you are required to obtain a permit for such activity from the Inland Wetlands Commission. Generally, regulated activity means any activity within a wetland or watercourse or within 50 feet of a wetland or 100 feet of a watercourse. However, since certain additional activities are considered regulated and other activities are permitted as of right, you should consult with the Director of Environmental Affairs to determine if the activity proposed on your property requires a permit.

Road Openings
Department of Public Works: 563-0154

For any opening or excavation of a public highway or right-of-way owned by the Town, you need to obtain a permit from the Department of Public Works. Before a permit is issued, you must complete an application form as prescribed by the Department of Public Works, post a performance bond with surety satisfactory to the Town, and provide evidence of liability insurance naming the Town as an additional insured party. Subsequent to obtaining the road opening permit, you must comply with notice, safety, and performance requirements.

Seller's Permit/Sales & Use Tax
Department of Revenue Services: 800-382-9463

Any person or entity engaged in or transacting business as a seller must obtain a permit from the Department of Revenue Services for each place of business. The application for such permit must be signed by the owner if a natural person, a partner in the case of a partnership or an authorized individual in the case of a limited liability company or corporation. The initial biennial fee for the permit is $20. There is no renewal fee thereafter.

Sewage Disposal and Water Supply Systems
Director of Health: 563-0175

If you intend on constructing or rebuilding a sewage-disposal system or a well, you need to obtain a permit from the Director of Health/Town Sanitarian. There are significant restrictions and requirements associated with a sewage-disposal system and accordingly, you should consult directly with the Director of Health/Town Sanitarian prior to commencing any activity in this area.

Sign Permit/Temporary Signs
Zoning Enforcement Officer: 563-0186

If you plan on installing a sign for your business, either permanently or on a temporary basis, you may need to obtain a sign permit from the Zoning Enforcement Office. The only type of sign allowed in all districts that does not require a permit is one non-illuminated real estate sign for each street frontage of a property, which sign is not to exceed 6 square feet in residential districts or 18 square feet in nonresidential districts. Non-illuminated window signs not exceeding 25% of the area of the window also are allowed without a sign permit in certain business districts.

The following types of signs are specifically prohibited: (1) rotating, moving or animated signs, (2) temporary A-frame, sandwich board or portable signs, (3) attention-getting devices, (4) roof signs, (5) any sign which could be mistaken for a traffic control sign, (6) billboards, (7) internally illuminated signs, (8) off-site signs, (9) signs permanently painted, posted or otherwise attached to any rock, fence, tree, automobile, truck, or utility pole, and (10) any sign not expressly permitted by the Wilton Zoning Regulations. Regulations exist which cover the type, size, height, content, location, maintenance and number of signs allowed depending on the nature and location of your business. The cost of a sign permit is $2.00 per square foot of sign with a $10.00 minimum fee. If you are considering having a sign for your business, it is recommended that you review the applicable standards with the Zoning Enforcement Officer in advance of filing a formal application.

Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling
Board of Selectmen: 563-0101

Any person engaged in the business of collecting, transporting or disposing of refuse in Town for compensation must be licensed by the Town of Wilton and comply with the permit provisions and regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen.

The Town has established a Town Solid Waste Recycling Program to effect the maximum level of recycling of solid waste and source separation. Each person who generates solid waste from non-residential property must separate the following items from other solid waste: Cardboard, glass, food and beverage containers, leaves, metal food and beverage containers, newspaper, office paper, scrap metal, storage batteries, waste oil, STFT plastic food and beverage containers marked on the bottom with the number 1 encircled by the recycling symbol, HDPE plastic food and beverage containers marked on the bottom with the number 2 encircled by the recycling symbol and any other items designated by the Board of Selectmen. The owner, tenant and/or operator of such nonresidential property shall collect and recycle the above listed items at his own expense. Any person engaged in the business for hauling solid waste must register with the Town and comply with the Town's recycling regulations.

Special Events
Carnivals, Fairs, Bazaars, Antique Shows, Tent Sales
Town Planner: 563-0185

A temporary permit is required to hold a special event on a temporary basis on property within a nonresidential district or on property in a residential district with frontage on a major road. In addition, adequate off-street parking must be provided for any permitted special event. The Town Planner is responsible for issuing such a temporary permit, which permit is only valid for a period not to exceed 10 days. The same applicant may not be issued a temporary permit for the same property within any twelve-month period. In addition, the Town Planner may decide that an

Tag Sales
Zoning Enforcement Officer: 563-0186

A temporary permit is required to hold a tag sale on any land or building within a residence district. The Zoning Enforcement Officer is responsible for issuing the temporary permit, which temporary permit may be valid for no more than two consecutive days. In addition, you are limited to one tag sale permit per calendar year.

Weights & Measures
Department of Consumer Protection
Weights & Measures Division: 860-713-6163

If you will be using weighing or measuring devices in your business, you are required to register your weighing or measuring devices with the Department of Consumer Protection License Services Division. The annual fee for such filing ranges from $15 to $125 depending on the size and number of

Other Agencies

• South Western Regional Planning Agency
• State of Connecticut - Department of Transportation
• State of Connecticut - Department of Environmental Protection
• State of Connecticut - State Traffic Commission
• Bridgeport Hydraulic Corporation
• United States Army Corps of Engineers
• United States Environmental Protection Agency

Businesses hiring employees are obligated to register with the Department of Labor for their State Unemployment Number.

Connecticut Department of Labor
200 Folly Brook Boulevard
Wethersfield, CT 06109
860-566-5180

Sole Proprietorship must complete the following:

• Trade Name Certificate - must be filed with the Town Clerk.
• State Tax Registration Number/ID - can be obtained from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. Your business may be liable for collecting sales tax. Check to see if it will be liable for other state taxes as a business. Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
  25 Sigourney Street
  Hartford, CT 06106
  800-382-9463 (instate only)
  860-297-5962 (outside CT)
  
• Unemployment Tax Number - obtained by registering with the Department of Labor's Employment Security Division, if you are planning on hiring employees.
• Federal Identification Number - can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), if the business has no employees. Although a sole proprietor with no employees may simply use his or her social security number on tax returns, the IRS recommends the use of a FEIN when filing returns. If the business pays wages to one or more employees or files an Excise Tax Return, the business needs to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Internal Revenue Service
  1-800-829-1040
  or 1-800-829-3676 (to order forms only)

• Trade Name Certificate - must be filed with the Town Clerk
• State Tax Registration Number/ID - can be obtained from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, if applicable.
• Unemployment Tax Number - can be obtained from the Department of Labor's Employment Security Division if employees will be hired.
• Federal Identification Number - obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if the business has no employees; or if the business pays wages to one or more employees or files an Excise Tax Return a Federal Employer Identification Number is needed.
• Certificate of Partnership - must be filed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State if it is a limited partnership or limited liability partnership, should be signed by all general partners or their attorney.

• Trade Name Certificate - not necessary to be filed with the Town Clerk, however, it is recommended.
• State Tax Registration Number/ID - can be obtained from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, if applicable.
• Unemployment Tax Number - can be obtained from the Department of Labor's Employment Security Division.
• Federal Identification Number - obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if the business has no employees; or if the business pays wages to one or more employees or files an Excise Tax Return or Federal Employer Identification Number is needed.
• Articles of Organization - must be filed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.

• Trade Name Certificate - not necessary to be filed with the Town Clerk.
• State Tax Registration Number/ID - can be obtained from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, if applicable.
• Unemployment Tax Number - can be obtained from the Department of Labor's Employment Security Division. All principals of the corporation are considered employees.
• Certificate of Incorporation, Appointment of Agent, and First Annual Report - filed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
• Federal Employer Identification Number - obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
• Election by a Small Business Corporation - if filing as an ‘S' corporation, obtained from the Internal Revenue Service. This form allows the company's income to be taxed to the shareholders.
• Application for Recognition of Exemption - if filing as a non-profit, filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

For advice on what type of business to form or what may be necessary to file, before getting started consult qualified advisors such as an attorney, accountant, banker or business counselor. For referrals, call Chamber office at 203-762-0567.

Insurance Considerations:

• Workers' Compensation
• Business Liability Coverage
• Auto Liability
• Equipment/Contents Coverage
• Loss Of Income/Business Interruption
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Disability