The Town is currently transitioning the Business Registration application process to a new web-based licensing and permitting software system called SmartGov. This change will benefit local businesses by modernizing the registration renewal process, allowing online payment of fees, and automating renewal notices in the future.  We appreciate your patience as we transition to this new process.  If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Garner Inspections Department at dss@garnernc.gov.

Once the business registration is approved, it will be good for 12 months from the date of approval.  Please note - this date will also serve as the annual renewal deadline for the business going forward.  The Town will no longer be renewing all business registrations on July 1. 

If this is a first time Business Registration application, a Fire Inspection will be scheduled and completed prior to Business Registration Issuance.  

Create a Business Registration Online

To create, renew, or apply for a new Business Registration on the new Town of Garner Development Services Portal, follow the steps below.  Expand the sections below for a how-to guide of each step.

Step 1: Create a Portal Account
Step 2: Request a Portal Access Code (if needed)
Step 3: Log In
Step 4: Create a Business Account
Step 5: Create a Business Registration Application
Step 6: Pay Fees
Step 7: Request Inspections (if applicable)

About the Program

The purpose of the business registration program is to create and maintain a registry of businesses and business locations operating within the Town of Garner, to preserve public health, welfare, safety, order, and convenience pursuant to N.C.G.S 160A-94, and to assist the Police, Fire, Inspections, and Planning Departments in performing their duties.

Who Should Complete a Business Registration

The Town of Garner Business Registration Program applies to all occupations, businesses, trades, professions, and forms of amusement and entertainment operating within the Town limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). 

Each firm, person, association, and corporation providing services, including retail, professional, and general businesses of all kinds, and maintaining a business office or home business occupation office within the Town of Garner and the ETJ shall provide contact information as requested by the town on a business registration form to be provided by the town. 

Exemptions to the Business Registration Program

The program does not apply to:

  1. An individual person holding a license issued by an occupational licensing board of the state as to the profession or trade that he or she has been licensed to practice by the state, however, it does apply to the business location if the individual has any employees or if it is open to clients or the public;
  2. A transportation network company (TNC) service regulated under Article 10A of Chapter 20 of the General Statues;
  3. Residential uses of property, except for home occupation, group care, and those defines as other group living in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Article II Section 9-16

Business Registration Program Regulations

  • A business registration form for each business location shall be filed prior to operating at the location or within 30 days of a change or use or occupancy or annexation into the Town limits.
  • The business registration form shall be valid for a 12-month reporting period and must be renewed on an annual basis. Once the business registration is approved, it will be good for 12 months from the date of approval.  Please note - this date will also serve as the annual renewal deadline for the business going forward.  The Town will no longer be renewing all business registrations on July 1. 
  • The business registration fee is set out in the Town’s adopted fee schedule. 
  • Any business which ceases to operate or closes a location shall file a notice of cancellation within 30 days of ceasing to operate or of permanently closing a location. 
  • No refund of the annual registration will be provided. 
  • Any changes to the business information, as required by the program shall be provided within 5 business days.  No fee shall be charged for updated information within the 12-month reporting period. Sec 9.17
  • No application for zoning, inspections, or other town permits will be accepted on behalf of a business which has failed to comply with this article, until the failure to comply has been corrected.  Sec 9-18
  • Violation of this article shall be punishable by imposition of a civil penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) Sec 9-19

Once a Business Account has been created and the Business Registration applied for, staff will review the information and verify fees.  The business contact will be notified via the portal when the fees are available to be paid.  If this is a first time Business Registration a Fire Inspection will be scheduled and completed prior to Business Registration Issuance.