New Business Checklist

The Downtown Paris Association (DPA) offers a suggested checklist for those considering a new business in the city of Paris. The DPA encourages locating your business in the downtown area. Find out more by calling DPA President Mike Key at 731.642.9271 or by emailing leachsmusic@bellsouth.net.

• Prior to choosing a building check zoning and code compliance. The city building inspector can help. To ensure the facilities meet safety standards, the building inspector will probably consult the fire department. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the city building inspector.
• If modifications are required, obtain the proper permits to complete any remodeling. Ask the building inspector.
• If the business is food related check with the County Health Department for additional requirements.
• Check with your insurance carrier to arrange for necessary coverage.
• See Planning and Zoning Department in City Hall for sign permits
• Contact the utilities (Board of Public Utilities and Paris Utility District) to have electricity and gas, if needed, turned on.

Be aware that some of the above activities may require more than anticipated processing time, so make use of that period to complete other projects such as the ones below:

• Obtain a federal employee ID number first if you are not going to use your Social Security Number to report on your taxes. Check with your accountant. This number should be handy when applying for other permits. You can get an application at the County Clerk Office
• If your business involves other permits such as food stamps or ATF licenses, start early.
• Register with the post office for mail service.
• Select a bank and order your checks. Don’t forget check stamps and deposit forms.
• Apply for a Tennessee sales tax permit. The offices in Jackson and Nashville are both helpful in completing the application.
• Obtain business licenses from both the city (business office, Paris City Hall) and the county (County Clerk’s office, HC Courthouse).
• Contact the Paris/Henry County Chamber of Commerce and, if applicable, the Downtown Business Association about memberships and grand opening opportunities.
• Investigate advertising. Get it out early and on a continuous basis. The Chamber can give you a list of area media.

Phone Numbers

• Planning and zoning office City Hall (731) 641-1410
• Building Inspector City Hall (731) 641-1409
• Board of Public Utilities 117 East Washington (731) 642-1322
• Paris Henry Co. Gas 215 West Wood (731) 642-5635
• City Business Office City Hall (731) 641-1402
• County Clerk Courthouse (731) 642-2412
• Health Department 803 Joy Street (731) 642-4025
• Chamber of Commerce 2508 E. Wood Street (731) 642-3431