Doing Business in Rutherfordton
Getting Started
There are several resources are available to assist the growth of new businesses. Isothermal Community College Small Business Center supports business development by providing training, counseling, and resource information. Foothills Connect Business and Technology Center provides business services, technology services, business enterprise development, technology training and public Internet access. To help you get started, contact the Town’s Planning and Community Development Director at (828) 287-2008.
Links:
Isothermal Community College Small Business Center : http://www.isothermal.edu/sbc/sbc.htm
Foothills Connect: http://www.foothillsconnect.com
Rutherford County Economic Development: http://www.rutherfordncedc.com
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce: http://www.rutherfordcoc.org/
Complementing the small town quality of life is the desirable growth of technological infrastructure in the area. Fiber optic cable is being run in Rutherfordton to allow for high speed internet service. The State is building a Data Center in the area and the technological infrastructure needed to support the facility can also be attractive to other high-tech industries as well. The Foothills Connect Business and Technology Center is located on Main Street and serves to assist the development and growth of small businesses. The technological demands of the 21st century economy are being met in Rutherfordton.
Zoning / Ordinances
Prior to beginning any renovations or construction of signs or buildings, it is beneficial to review the local zoning codes and ordinances.
If you are planning to relocate or open a new business in the Town, contact the Planning / Zoning Code Enforcement Officer at (828) 287-9508 for assistance.
Privilege License Requirements
The Town of Rutherfordton requires a privilege license for persons, firms, and corporations who either have a physical presence in the Town or conduct business within the Town limits. “Conducting business” means maintaining a business location within the Town, soliciting business within the Town, or picking up or delivering goods or services within the Town limits. For most businesses, the fee is based on their gross receipts from the sales of goods or services. There are certain types of businesses that have a fixed dollar fee and others that are exempt. For a list of these businesses and the current fee schedule, click here (.pdf). Please note you may be subject to more than one fee, depending on your business and different types of goods and services provided by the business.
This license tax is due July 1st and interest begins on July 2nd at the rate of 5% per month. You must apply for this license prior to conducting or maintaining a business. If your business is located within the Town limits, you are also required to complete the Fire Inspection and Zoning Application before the license is issued.
You may come by the Town Hall to pick up an application or click here (.pdf) to access the application. If you have any questions, call the Town Clerk at (828) 287-3520.
Municipal Service District (MSD) Tax or “Main Street Tax”
This tax contributes to the revitalization program to enhance the quality of downtown Rutherfordton by improving the physical, environmental, and business conditions in the downtown area. Bills are sent out in August, due in September, and interest begins accruing in January. The current municipal service tax rate is 19.5¢ per $100 of value. To review a map of the area included in this District, click here.
