When you start an indoor playground business, you have an exciting opportunity to bring joy, laughter, and memories to children and families. In most states, small business owners only need one or two licenses to operate their business. However, because you are working with children, you may need multiple state-specific licenses. The licensing requirements for businesses that work with children are usually more detailed and specific because the state wants to protect children from substandard operations. If you don’t get all of the licenses you need for your indoor playground, you could lose your business and the state could take legal action against you.
To start an indoor playground business, you will typically need the following licenses and permits: General business license, Doing Business As (DBA) license, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Zoning Permit, Child care license, Health Department Permit, Fire Department Permit, Environmental Permits, etc. Be sure to contact your local and state government offices to find out the exact licensing requirements for your area because they differ. Some areas have additional regulations for businesses that cater to children.
In this article, we’ll go over the essential licenses and permits you need to get your indoor playground up and running, so you can move forward with confidence.
1. General Business License
This is the basic license you need to operate any business legally. It’s your permission to do business in your city or county and ensures your business is registered for tax purposes.
The cost of a business license depends on the ownership structure of your business and where you are but is typically no more than $200 or $300.
Where to obtain: You can usually get a general business license from your local city or county government office.
To obtain the license, you’ll likely need to provide:
- Your business name and address
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Information about the nature of your business
- Proof of other required permits or licenses
2. Doing Business As (DBA) License
If you plan to operate your indoor playground under a name different from your legal business name, you will need a DBA license. This license allows you to use a made-up name for marketing and branding purposes. The cost for a DBA license is typically less than $50.
Application process
- Usually involves filing a form with your local county clerk’s office or state government
- You may need to publish a notice in a local newspaper announcing your DBA (required in some jurisdictions)
Purpose: A DBA allows you to run your business under a name that’s different from your legal business name or your personal name. For example, your LLC might be “Play Gym LLC,” but you could run your business under the DBA name “Play Gym & Cafe.”
Renewal: You’ll need to renew your DBA periodically, usually every 5-10 years depending on your location.
3. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is a unique identifier for your business, similar to a social security number for individuals. You need it for tax purposes and if you plan to hire employees. The EIN is issued by the IRS and is free to get.
First, you need to register your company as an LLC, C Corp, or nonprofit. Then you will get an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
4. Zoning Permit
Zoning permits are important because they make sure your business location is in compliance with local zoning laws. These laws dictate how properties in certain geographic zones can be used. Getting a zoning permit means making sure your chosen location is zoned for commercial use and is suitable for an indoor playground business or entertainment facility. Zoning rules can vary, so be sure to check with your local zoning department.
How to Get A Zoning Permit?
- Find Out What the Rules Are: Start by figuring out what the zoning rules are in your area to make sure the spot you picked is zoned for an indoor playground or entertainment facility. Zoning rules can be different in every city, so make sure you talk to the people in charge in your city.
- Prepare Documentation: Get all the paperwork you need, including drawings of the site, drawings of the building, and any other information that shows how your indoor playground will follow the rules in your city. This may include information about the way the building is set up, what you’re going to do in it, and what you’re going to change.
- Submit Application: Fill out the paperwork and turn it in. You’ll need to fill out a zoning permit application that asks a lot of detailed questions about your business and the property where you want to open your indoor playground.
- Review and Inspection: Once you submit your documents, the superintendent will review your application and may come visit your venue to make sure you are complying with all zoning regulations. If they have any questions or concerns, you need to be prepared to answer them.
- If your application follows all the rules, they’ll give you the OK and give you a zoning permit. Once you have this permit, you can start doing what you need to do to the building.
5. Child Care License
Many states require a specific child care license for businesses that offer supervised play for children. This license makes sure your business meets the safety and staffing standards required for caring for kids. For example, in Chicago, you need a Children’s Activities Facility (CAF) license to have any kind of play center. This involves passing an inspection and usually costs around $500.
How to Get A Child Care License?
- Contact State Officials: Reach out to your state’s small business center or county clerk to understand the specific child care licensing requirements for your area.
- Prepare Documentation: You may need to provide detailed plans outlining your facility’s layout, safety measures, and operational procedures.
- Submit Applications: Complete the necessary applications for the child care license and other required permits, and pay any associated fees.
- Inspections: Be prepared for inspections to ensure that your facility meets all child care and safety standards before receiving final approval.
- Ongoing Compliance: Maintain compliance with child care regulations through regular audits and updates as necessary.
6. Health Department Permit
Health permits are important to make sure your facility meets the health and sanitation standards set by the local authorities. This includes proper food handling if you plan to offer snacks or meals, as well as keeping the play areas clean and hygienic.
Keep in mind that health department regulations can vary by location, so it’s important to work closely with your local health officials to ensure full compliance.
How to obstain A Health Department Permit?
- Contact your local health department to understand specific requirements for indoor playgrounds in your area.
- Schedule an initial inspection of your facility.
- Address any issues identified during the inspection.
- Submit the required application forms and pay any associated fees.
- Once approved, display your health permit prominently in your facility.
7. Fire Department Permit
Safety is a top priority in any business, and an indoor playground is no exception. A fire department permit makes sure your facility complies with fire safety regulations, including emergency exits, fire extinguishers, players limit, indoor playground materials and alarms. This permit is important for the safety of your customers and employees.
How to Get a Fire Department Permit?
- Contact Local Fire Department: Reach out to your local fire department to understand specific requirements and to obtain the necessary application forms.
- Prepare for Inspection: Ensure that your facility meets all fire safety standards before the scheduled inspection.
- Submit Application: Complete the application and submit it along with any required fees.
- Address Any Issues: If the inspection reveals any non-compliance issues, you will need to rectify these before the permit can be issued.
- Receive Permit: Once all requirements are met and approved, you will receive your Fire Department Permit.
8. Environmental Permits
Environmental permits are important for running an indoor playground in compliance with local laws. Making sure your facility meets all environmental regulations, including regulations concerning waste management, emissions, and other environmental factors, not only protects the environment but also enhances the safety and enjoyment of your customers. Always consult with local authorities to make sure you are fully informed of your obligations.
How to Get a Environmental Permits?
- Contact Local Authorities: Contact your local environmental agency or department to understand the specific permits required for your indoor playground.
- Prepare Documentation: You may need to provide detailed plans outlining how your facility will manage waste, energy, and water usage
- Submit Applications: Complete the necessary applications for environmental permits and pay any associated fees.
- Compliance Inspections: Be prepared for inspections to ensure that your facility meets all environmental regulations before receiving final approval.
- Ongoing Compliance: Once operational, maintain compliance with environmental regulations through regular audits and updates as necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting an indoor playground business requires planning and making sure you do what you’re supposed to do legally. Getting the right licenses and permits helps you make sure your business is legal, safe, and responsible. While it might seem like a lot of work, if you take it step by step and talk to the people in charge, you’ll be able to do it. Once you have the right licenses and permits, you can get to work on creating a fun, safe, and successful indoor playground that makes kids and families happy in your town.
At Lebo Play, we are committed to providing high-quality indoor playground equipment that meets strict safety standards. No matter where you are, our indoor playground equipment is designed to bring joy and excitement to children all over the world. We hope this guide has been helpful and we look forward to helping you create a fantastic play area for your business. If you have any questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
