Why Open A Business In Hatboro?
The Borough of Hatboro is a 1.5 square mile town residing in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. Hatboro’s business district resides along York Road, a main thoroughfare for neighboring communities. Hatboro’s classic small town feel and history attracts residents, motorists, and visitors alike and its walk-able downtown allows patrons to easily visit businesses along York Road. Hatboro is also directly connected to Center City, Philadelphia through SEPTA’s Warminster Line, making it extremely accessible via all modes of transportation.
Our residents maintain an immense adoration for everything Hatboro and love to shop and eat local. This mentality helps businesses in Hatboro flourish and become an essential part of the community.
To learn more about our small town with big opportunities, download the official promotional brochure below:
Use & Occupancy Inspections
Prior to opening a business in Hatboro, a Use & Occupancy Inspection is required before any business may occupy a commercial space or storefront. A copy of the Commercial Use & Occupancy inspection form can be downloaded below. This inspection form must be completed and returned along with payment to Borough Hall prior to an inspection being performed. Commercial Use & Occupancy inspections are priced based on the square footage of the unit or premises in which the business is residing and may be paid via cash, check, or credit card. All Use & Occupancy inspections are scheduled through Borough Hall, 215-443-9100.Â
During the inspection, the Fire Marshal will inspect all items listed on the below inspection form. If there are any items that fail inspection, the Fire Marshal will designate an amount of time in which the business has to correct these issues. Once any discrepancies from the original inspection are remedied, a second inspection can be scheduled. Should any business need more than two inspections, an inspection fee will be charged for every subsequent inspection.
Fire Marshal Inspections
Every business in the Borough of Hatboro is required to have a yearly inspection performed by the Fire Marshal. Fire Marshal inspections are a surprise inspection and are not scheduled. During this inspection the Fire Marshal will check fire extinguishers, emergency exits, fire alarms, sprinklers, and additional safety measures around your business.
If there are hazards present or a required safety measure does not pass the inspection, the Fire Marshal will designate a specific amount of time in which your business has to correct the issues. The Fire Marshal will then revisit the business for a second inspection to ensure all discrepancies from the initial inspection are addressed. Should any business need more than two inspections to pass, there will be an additional inspection fee assessed for each inspection after the second.
After the Fire Marshal Inspection is performed businesses will receive an invoice for the inspection and a copy of the inspection form in the mail. Inspection fees for businesses are based on the square footage of the property or storefront and must be paid within 30 days of invoicing. Inspection fees can be paid via cash, check, or credit card in Borough Hall.
Please note, home offices are not subject to Fire Marshal Inspections.
Business Privilege Tax & Registration
All businesses in the Borough of Hatboro are required to register their business with the Tax Collector and pay Business Privilege Tax. Business Privilege Tax is dependent on the business’s prior year income, the presence of mechanical devices at their business, and the number of signs present at their business. In order to register your business with the tax collector and pay Business Privilege Tax for the pertaining year, you must complete the following paperwork and return it to the Tax Collector.
Business Emergency Contact Form
All businesses in the Borough of Hatboro are required to complete and return an Emergency Contact Form. This form is used by Emergency Services and staff to contact businesses in the event of an emergency at their premises both during and outside of operating hours. The information contained on this form will be updated yearly during your business’s yearly Fire Marshal inspection. We ask that any change in the information contained within this form be updated with the Borough as soon as possible. Completed Emergency Contact Forms should be sent to Borough Hall, 414 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040.
Sign Permits
Prior to erecting any sign in the Borough of Hatboro, businesses must apply for a sign permit. The total amount of signage a business can have is dependent on the linear frontage of the unit in which they reside.
When planning signage for your business, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- No sign may be larger that 25 square feet
- Businesses are allowed 2 square feet of signage for every 1 linear foot of frontage
- Temporary signs must be removed within 30 days of their erection
Fees for Sign Permits are dependent on the size of the sign itself. Signs less than 8 sqft will be assessed a $60.00 fee and signs 8 sqft and over will be assessed a $100.00 fee.
The Sign Permit Application below must be completed and returned to Borough Hall for review prior to any signage being hung at the premises. Please make sure all areas of the permit are completed as missing information can cause a delay in the review process. Once a review of the sign permit application has been completed, the applicant will be contacted. If the application is approved, the applicant must pay the appropriate permit fees based on the signage and then the signs may be hung.
Any questions regarding signage or sign permit applications can be directed to Borough Hall (215-443-9100).
Business Spotlight
On the 1st day of each month, the Borough of Hatboro showcases a local business on our website and Facebook page in the form of a Business Spotlight. The selected business will be interviewed by the Borough at their premises and will be given the opportunity to provide photos of their business to include in the spotlight (or the Borough can take photos during the interview). This spotlight is a great opportunity to advertise your business to residents and spread the word about what your business has to offer. If you are interested in having your business showcased through the Business Spotlight, please contact Borough Hall at 215-443-9100.
Advertise In The Borough Newsletter
The Borough of Hatboro releases a newsletter twice per year. This newsletter is delivered to every resident and business in Hatboro as well as posted online. Businesses can purchase advertising space in these newsletters to receive exposure throughout the community. Any businesses interested in advertising in the Hatboro Highlights Newsletters should contact Borough Hall at 215-443-9100.
Business Resources
Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit volunteer organization of businesses and professional who have joined together to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the Hatboro area. The Chamber of Commerce is financed primarily through the investment of its members. The Chamber of Commerce organizes and sponsors community events including: Hatboro’s annual holiday parade, Moonlight Memories Car Show, National Night Out, Cruise Nights, Summer Nights, HatOberFest, Small Business Saturdays, Business Networking and Community Event, and more!
The Chamber of Commerce is a great way for businesses to advertise, network, and give back to the community. For more information or to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, please visit: https://hatborochamber.com/about/ or call the Chamber at 215-956-9540.
Valley Forge Tourism
Valley Forge Tourism is the official tourism promotion agency for Montgomery County, PA. Valley Forge Tourism strengthens economic prosperity within Montgomery County using various means of advertising local attractions, restaurants, hotels, services, shops, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Membership to Valley Forge Tourism allows businesses promotional opportunities both online and in printed publication, networking opportunities, and more. For more information on Valley Forge Tourism or to become a member, please visit: https://www.valleyforge.org/members/
New Business FAQ
How do I know if a property is zoned for the business I want to open?
Business owners are encouraged to call Borough Hall (215-443-9100) prior to signing a lease or purchasing a property for their business to ensure the property is properly zoned for the desired business. If a business does not comply with the zoning of the property, business owners have the option to request a variance or zoning change from the Zoning Hearing Board.
When can I schedule a Use & Occupancy Inspection?
Currently Use & Occupancy inspections can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM through 4:00 PM. Inspections times are dependent on the availability of the inspector. We ask that business owners call Borough Hall at least one week in advance to schedule an inspection.
How long will it take for my sign permit to be approved?
Sign permits are reviewed in-house at Borough Hall. If an application is fully completed, the sign permit will be reviewed within 5 business days.
Can I advertise my business at Borough Hall?
Businesses are welcome to drop off flyers, menus, etc. to Borough Hall. These materials will be placed in the front lobby along with other informational material for residents and visitors to take during their visit.