Starting a Business Downtown
Opening a business in downtown Fayetteville puts you at the heart of Cumberland County’s economic engine. This guide walks you through every step—cutting the red tape so you can focus on opening your doors.
Fast-Track Checklist
Section titled “Fast-Track Checklist”1. Pick a Space + Confirm Zoning
Section titled “1. Pick a Space + Confirm Zoning”- Check zoning/use compatibility for your concept
- If changing tenants or use, you’ll need a Change of Tenant/Use/Occupancy review
- Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before opening
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| City Permitting & Inspections | fayettevillenc.gov/permitting |
| Change of Tenant/Use Application (PDF) | Download |
| Change of Occupancy Consumer Guide (PDF) | Download |
More: Location Selection Guide
2. Line Up Utilities
Section titled “2. Line Up Utilities”Contact Fayetteville Public Works Commission for electric, water, and wastewater service.
- PWC Customer Service: 910-483-1382 (24/7)
- Establish Service: faypwc.com/establishing-service
3. Plan Your Build-Out (If Any)
Section titled “3. Plan Your Build-Out (If Any)”- Pull building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits as needed
- Schedule inspections; aim for your CO before opening day
- Hiring a contractor? NC requires a licensed General Contractor for any project $40,000 or more (per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-1, raised from $30,000 by Session Law 2023-108). Verify the license before signing — see the Hiring a Build-Out Contractor guide.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Permit Applications List | fayettevillenc.gov/permits |
| E-Development Portal | fayetteville.idtplans.com |
| Hiring a Build-Out Contractor | /businesses/starting/hiring-contractor |
More: Permits Checklist · Hiring a Build-Out Contractor · IDTplans Portal Guide · Realistic Timeline · Change of Use
4. Signs & Historic Review
Section titled “4. Signs & Historic Review”If your business is in downtown or a historic district, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before applying for sign permits.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Historic District Design Guidelines (PDF) | Download |
| Sign Permit Application (PDF) | Download |
5. Outdoor Use (Sidewalk Cafe/Merchandise)
Section titled “5. Outdoor Use (Sidewalk Cafe/Merchandise)”For downtown sidewalk dining or merchandise displays:
| Permit | Link |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Business Use Application (PDF) | Download |
| Temporary Encroachment Permit (PDF) | Download |
6. Food, Beverage & Health (If Applicable)
Section titled “6. Food, Beverage & Health (If Applicable)”Restaurants/Food Service:
- Cumberland County Environmental Health handles plan review and sanitation permits
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| County Food & Lodging | cumberlandcountync.gov/food-establishments |
| Mobile Food Unit Application (PDF) | Download |
Alcohol (On/Off-Premise):
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| NC ABC Retail Permit Types | abc.nc.gov/retail-permits |
| Cumberland County ABC | cumberlandabc.com/permits |
7. Fire & Life Safety
Section titled “7. Fire & Life Safety”The Fire Marshal’s Office inspects new and existing commercial occupancies. Certain uses require operational permits.
Fire Marshal’s Office: fayettevillenc.gov/fire-inspection
8. Money, Grants & Loans
Section titled “8. Money, Grants & Loans”City programs include Business Assistance Loans, Facade/Exterior grants, and corridor programs for eligible areas.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| City Business Resources Hub | fayettevillenc.gov/business-resources |
| Commercial Corridor/Exterior Grant (PDF) | Download |
More: Funding Options Guide
9. Taxes — Know What You’ll Owe
Section titled “9. Taxes — Know What You’ll Owe”You may owe taxes to five different agencies that don’t talk to each other. Most new owners are surprised by at least one of these:
| Tax | Who | Rate | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal income + 15.3% self-employment | IRS | Your personal rate | Quarterly + April 15 |
| NC income tax | NCDOR | 3.99% (2026) | April 15 |
| NC sales tax (retail/prepared food) | NCDOR | 7% (8% prepared food) | Monthly or quarterly |
| Business Personal Property ⚠️ | Cumberland County | $0.499/$100 | List Jan 1–31 every year |
| Real property tax (if you own) | County + City | ~$0.9485/$100 combined | September 1 |
| ABC permit (if you sell alcohol) | NC ABC Commission | $400/permit | Renew annually May 1 |
More: Small Business Taxes — full plain-language guide
10. Advisors & Training (Free/Low-Cost)
Section titled “10. Advisors & Training (Free/Low-Cost)”| Organization | Link |
|---|---|
| CEED | ncceed.org |
| Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville | wbcfay.org |
| FTCC Small Business Center | ncsbc.net/ftcc |
| Greater Fayetteville Chamber | faybiz.com |
11. Launch & Promote
Section titled “11. Launch & Promote”- List your business in local downtown directories
- Coordinate ribbon-cuttings and soft-open previews with the Downtown Alliance
- Learn and participate in the Downtown Social District rules for to-go beverages
Social District guide: Downtown Social District — rules, hours, boundaries · Official map (Cool Spring)
Before You Begin
Section titled “Before You Begin”- Research your market - Downtown has 200+ existing businesses
- Choose your business type - Different permits for different industries
- Find your location - Historic district has special requirements
- Secure funding - Multiple grant and loan programs available
- Get permitted - City, county, and state requirements
Universal Requirements
Section titled “Universal Requirements”- Register with NC Secretary of State (sosnc.gov)
- Get Federal EIN from IRS (irs.gov)
- Register for NC Sales Tax (ncdor.gov)
- Contact City Development Services (910-433-1707)
- Check if location is in Historic District (910-433-1457)
Key Contacts
Section titled “Key Contacts”| Department | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| City Development Services | 910-433-1707 | Building permits, inspections |
| Historic Resources | 910-433-1457 | Certificate of Appropriateness |
| Economic Development | 910-433-1596 | Grants, loans, assistance |
| Downtown Development | 910-433-1599 | Commercial spaces, funding sources |
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”- Permits Checklist - All required permits by business type
- Funding Options - Grants and loans available
- Small Business Taxes - Federal, state, county, and city taxes in plain language
- Location Selection - Finding the right space
- Frequently Asked Questions - Common questions answered