| Doing Business in Forest Grove: Business Guide |
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Operating a Business in Forest Grove OregonA Partnership of:City of Forest Grove Economic Development
Jeffrey King, Economic Development Coordinator
Economic Development Services: A one-stop office that works closely with the business community to help access business resources, site location, financing and information. Assistance includes helping to attract prospective companies locate in Forest Grove, retain existing companies and assist start-ups and small business. 503-992-3293 Community Development Department services: The Department is comprised of two divisions, building and planning. The Building Division is responsible for reviewing and processing building, plumbing and mechanical permits consistent with adopted state and local codes. The Division also conducts inspections for permit compliance during construction. The Planning Division is responsible for tasks in three general areas. Division staff reviews and processes development projects to assure compliance with the City’s Zoning and Land Division ordinances.
Engineering & Public Works Services: The Engineering Department provides engineering design and construction inspection services for public facilities. Public facilities consist of streets, storm sewers, water treatment and distribution, and sanitary sewer collection. Both private development projects and capital improvement projects are funded through the Engineering Department. 503-992-3228 Electric Utilities: The Light and Power Department is a full service electric utility providing reliable electric service to customers in Forest Grove and surrounding areas. The department also provides many related services including conservation, weatherization, security lighting and utility payment plans among many others. 503-992-3250 Sanitary Sewer/Storm Water Management: Clean Water Services is a regional public utility that is responsible for monitoring and protecting water resources in the Tualatin River watershed. The agency regulates and issues permits for sanitary sewer/wastewater and stormwater management. 503-681-3600. www.cleanwaterservices.org Police Department: Forest Grove maintains its own police force. In addition to crime prevention services include home and business security surveys, business watch program, neighborhood watch program and identity theft information. 503-992-3260 Fire and Rescue Services: Forest Grove maintains its own Fire Department Fire and Rescue provides fire suppression, prevention and inspection; emergency medical services, and hazardous materials response. 503-992-3240 Office of the Mayor 503-307-7054 Office of the City Manager 503-992-3200 Starting a Business/Business Information Oregon Business Guide: A state publication that provides a consolidated source of information and regulations that explain the process of starting a business in Oregon. The guide provides a general checklist that includes registering a business name, business structure, taxation requirements, tax ID numbers, permits, workers compensation and unemployment and business assistance resources. To receive a copy call the State Business Referral Center, 503-986-2200 or download a form in PDF format: Workers Compensation: All employers doing business in Oregon, with very few exceptions, are subject to the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Law. Employers must obtain workers compensation insurance before they employ anyone. In Oregon there are two methods to get workers compensation coverage: through an insurance company or by self insurance. For further information contact the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services 503-947-7544 or 503-378-4209 or www.oregon.gov/DCBS/wcd_info.shtml Portland Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The Portland area Biz Center offers services to help small and start-up businesses. Services include free confidential counseling, workshops and classes covering business plans, marketing, finances, accounting and general management issues, and a business library and resource center. Offices in Portland and Beaverton. 503-533-2712, 503-978-5080 or www.bizcenter.org/portland/ Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): The Portland area SCORE is a non-profit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to help small businesses and entrepreneurs become successful. Services include unlimited one-on-one confidential business counseling, workshops, business resource library, computer resources and internet access. 503-326-3441 or www.scorepdx.org Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services: The state’s largest regulatory agency administers the state laws and rules governing workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, real estate appraisal activity, building codes, the operations of insurance companies, financial institutions and securities offerings. 503-378-4100 or www.oregon.gov/DCBS/ Government Contract Acquisition Program (GCAP): GCAP is a statewide, federally funded procurement technical assistance center focused on helping Oregon small business secure government contracts. They also offer a daily bid matching service. 800-497-7551 or www.gcap.org Oregon Office of Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Business: The OMWES assists minority and woman-owned business, and emerging small businesses with targeted government contracting opportunities through a “one-stop” certification program. For more information contact 503-947-7922 or http://egov.oregon.gov/DCBS/OMWESB Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME): OAME is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the state of Oregon. Services include: technical assistance, access to capital, matching capability with opportunity, administrative services, information and networking. For more information, contact OAME at 503-249-7744 or www.oame.org Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber provides a network for business advocacy and promotion and civic development. Services include business workshops, small business support, community events, community information and forums on issues affecting Forest Grove. For information on membership and services offered call 503-357-3006 or www.fgchamber.org Education, Workforce Development & Training Pacific University: Located in Forest Grove since 1849, Pacific University offers 52 undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in several fields including liberal arts, education, psychology, optometry and health services. Through its education consortium program, the university offers customized training to local businesses. 503-357-6151 or www.pacificu.edu Portland Community College (PCC): Offers professional/technical certificates and degrees, college transfer degrees, literacy/basic skills programs, continuing education and customized workforce training. 503-244-6111 or www.pcc.edu OGI School of Science and Engineering: Offers advanced research and graduate education in science, engineering and technology management and biomedical fields. Part of Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). Located in Beaverton. 503-748-1121 or www.Ogi.edu/ PCC Capital Career Center: The Center offers a 1-stop, single point of access to a wide range of employment, training and workforce services in the Washington County area. Services include recruitment, screening, customized training, retention and out placement services for business. 503-533-2946 or www.pcc.edu/resources/capital-career/business.html Oregon Employment Department (Worksource Oregon): Offers business recruitment, screening and referrals for a statewide applicant bank. Provides office space for interviews. The agency also offers statewide and local labor force information. Offices in Beaverton, Hillsboro and local office in Forest Grove. 503-681-0200 (Hillsboro); 503-992-7403 (Forest Grove) or www.employment.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/ES/BUS/index.shtml Federal Taxes: Oregon businesses are required to pay federal taxes. The first step for most businesses is to obtain a required federal Employment Identification Number (EIN). For federal tax information and establishing and EIN, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html State Taxes: All businesses are responsible for all State of Oregon tax obligations such as the state income tax and unemployment insurance. Employers are required to file a Combined Employer’s registration form with the Oregon Department of Revenue in order to obtain a Business Identification Number (BIN). The BIN is used to report and pay payroll taxes and assessments. Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at 503-945-8091 or www.oregon.gov/DOR/BUS/index.html Tri-Met Tax: The transit tax program provides revenue for mass transit. The Oregon Department of Revenue administers this tax program for the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (Tri-Met). The transit tax is imposed directly on the employer and applies to both employers and the self-employed. Taxes are reported and paid quarterly. Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at www.oregon.gov/DOR/BUS/transit.shmtl Local Personal Property Tax: All businesses are required to file an annual personal property tax report with the Washington County Assessor’s office. The tax rate is comprised of several local taxing districts. Property taxes are subject to Measure 5 and Measure 48/50 limits. For information, contact the Washington County Assessment and Taxation Department at 503-846-8741 or www.co.washington.or.us/deptmts/at/atmain.htm There is no local business or personal income tax in Forest Grove or Washington County. Business Occupancy Permit: All businesses operating or carrying on business within the city limits of the City of Forest Grove are required to obtain a business occupancy permit. As of July 1, 2005 the permit was $96.00 and is good for ten years. For application and fee payment contact the Forest Grove Community Development Department at 503-992-3227. Home Business Occupancy Permit: All home-based businesses operating in the City of Forest Grove must obtain a Home Business Occupancy Permit instead of the Business Occupancy Permit. The permit costs $96.00 and is good for ten years. In addition the home occupation must comply with city zoning code requirements and any conditions of approval attached to the permit. For application and fee payment contact the Forest Grove Community Development Department at 503-992-3227. Business Zoning: All properties are subject to land use zoning and regulation. Defines type of uses allowed and process needed to obtain building permit for new construction or renovations. Contact the Community Development Department at 503-992-3229. Building Permit: Provides permits, inspections and other services for businesses seeking to build, expand or remodel structures within the City of Forest Grove. Contact the Community Development Department/Building Division at 503-992-3229. Restaurants and Public Food Handling: Licensing and inspection and food handlers permits for restaurants, schools, day care and other establishments where the public's food is prepared. Contact Washington County Department of Health & Human Services, Environmental Health at 503-846-8722 or www.co.washington.or.us/deptmts/hhs/hhsmain.htm. Water: City of Forest Grove. Contact the Community Development Departments 503-992-3227 or Engineering Department 503-992-3228. Sewer: City of Forest Grove. Contact the Community Development Departments at 503-992-3227 or Engineering Department 503-992-3228. Electricity: City of Forest Grove. Contact Forest Grove Light and Power at 503-992-3250 or www.forestgrove-or.gov Natural Gas: NW Natural at 800-422-4012 or www.nwnatural.com Telecommunications: Local phone service and broadband. Contact Verizon at 800-483-5000 or www.verizon.com Telecommunications: Cable modem broadband and phone service. Contact Comcast at 800-316-1619 or 888-824-8265 or www.comcast.com Garbage/Waste Hauling: Contact Waste Management, Inc. at 503-992-1212 or 503-331-2221 or www.wmrthwest.com |