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Information for New Businesses

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Questions?

Please call the Building Department at  (716) 873-5700.

One of the best things about Kenmore is the close working relationship between the government, residents and businesses.  Almost all of our businesses abut residential properties, so we all work together.  It’s one of the reasons Kenmore is such a special, walkable community.

Our primary business districts are located on Delaware Avenue and Elmwood Avenue. There are also businesses located on Kenmore Avenue. Military is zoned as Industrial.

We know that opening up a business is an investment of time and money. We hope this information will help you before, during and after your business opens.

Thinking of Setting Up Shop? Do These First!

We welcome new businesses to Kenmore, but before you sign the lease or purchase a property, please make sure you (and your attorney) do your due diligence.

  1. CHECK THE ZONING! Kenmore has 3 zoning areas for businesses – General, Restricted and Industrial. Please check the zoning map to identify what district your proposed business location is in to make sure the business you want to open can legally open in that district.  If you have any questions, call the Building Department to verify what business district you’re in.
  2. EACH DISTRICT HAS ITS OWN ZONING RULES, including the types of businesses that are allowed to operate in that district, and the signage that can be used.
  3. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SELL? – Kenmore has specific restrictions on certain products, including tobacco, cannabis, hookah, and vaping/vaping supplies. These restriction impact what may be sold or distributed, as well as use. Even if the proposed location allows your proposed product to be sold or used, it is recommended that you contact the Building Department (716) 873-5700 to see if your location is located near another establishment.

Signed Your Lease? Here’s What’s Next!

Before you can open your business, there are some things that need to be done.

  1. Business Occupancy Permit – All businesses need to complete an application and obtain a Business Occupancy Permit. This permit will provide the Village with emergency contact information and allow us to review your proposed use/product list to make sure it’s compliant with Village Code.
  2. Planning Board Approval – The Planning Board needs to review and approve most signage for your business, including wall signs, window signs, and free-standing signs, such as monument, pylon or pole signs. The Planning Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, so it’s important to get your complete application to the Village as soon as possible to get your signage approved.  Applications are due by noon the Thursday before the meeting, in order to get on the agenda. If you want to open before you can get on the Planning Board agenda, you can obtain a Temporary Sign Permit but you will need to make application to the Building Department.
  3. Signage – Signage is an important part of identifying your business, but it’s important that any signs comply with Village Code.  Carefully review the sign requirements for your business district and make sure your sign company is also aware of these requirements.  We want you to be able to put up signage as soon as possible.  Your sign company will need to be aware of size, lighting, material and type of signage allowed.  Hand-painted signs are not allowed. We strongly encourage a representative from your business (or from your sign company) be present at the Planning Board meeting to ensure that there are no delays in approving your signs.  The representative should be someone who can speak for the company and address questions concerning the proposed sign.
  4. Contact the Kenmore Business Association (KBA) and the KenTon Chamber of Commerce.  These groups are an excellent source of information and networking to help promote your business in the community

Open? Here’s What You Need To Do.

Thanks for setting up shop in Kenmore!    Here’s some general information to assist you.

  1. TRASH COLLECTION – for all properties in the business districts.
    1. Garbage is picked up daily.
    2. Recycle collection is Monday, Wednesday and Friday
    3. Totes can’t go to the curb before 4 pm day before.
    4. Totes need to be returned no later than 7 pm on the day of collection.
    5. Do not use opaque plastic bags.
  2. SNOW REMOVAL – The Village DPW provides exceptional snow plow service of our roads, but you are responsible for the keeping the sidewalk in front of your business free of snow and ice.
  3. SIDEWALKS – sidewalk maintenance and repair is the responsibility of the property owner. If you are leasing property and see a problem with the sidewalk in front of your business, please contact the property owner.  Remember, if anyone falls or trips due to sidewalk needing repair or icy conditions, you could be liable.
  4. BUILDING INSPECTIONS – There are routine inspections required under the Building Code.
  5. OUTDOOR DINING – We love outdoor dining in the Village, but you need to make an application annually to do so. If this is the first year for outdoor dining at your business, you’ll also need to get Planning Board approval.