Stage 1 – Preliminary information and preparation of application documents
A business lease agreement is a binding obligation, so it is highly recommended that you conduct preliminary investigation before signing a contract. Therefore: Do not invest and risk your money in a business for which you cannot obtain a license!!!
It is recommended that those wishing to establish a business that "requires licensing" go to the local authority's business licensing department to receive advance information and application documents.
In order to receive advance information, it is necessary to prepare:
– The exact address of the business, and any other details that can help locate the business.
– Complete information regarding the applicant, such as: company number, telephone number, etc., details of the activities requested to be carried out in the business, area and structure of the business.
In advance information you can get:
– Defining the type of business according to a business licensing order.
– Licensing policies and unique guidelines based on the type of business and its location, such as: guidelines for preparing a business plan, parking arrangements, policies, etc.
– Expected licensing problems, such as: problematic location, etc.
– Relevant laws and regulations that the business must comply with.
– The need to issue a building permit for the business structure or for a change of zoning or for “extraordinary use” according to the Planning and Building Law.
– Details about the licensing factors and data required to approve the business.
– Instructions for submitting the license application in multiple copies, such as business plans, situational map, environmental diagram, relevant documents and forms.
In order to thoroughly examine the business's planning, it is possible to submit a request for a preliminary opinion from the local authority or the permit holders. The request involves paying a fee and submitting forms and plans in accordance with the law.
Step 2 – Submitting the application and paying the fee
The applicant must submit an application to the local authority's business licensing unit for a business license on a structured form signed by him.
The application will include:
– Accompanying documents specified in the law, such as a business environment diagram, a situational map, and a business plan (engineering) signed by a qualified professional, as well as confirmation of fee payment.
– If the application refers to a “hazardous enterprise”, the applicant must attach a factory file detailing the risks and the measures to prevent them as stipulated in the Business Licensing Regulations (Hazardous Enterprises)
The Business Licensing Department charges a fee for the services it provides, which is usually calculated for each item separately (as stated in the business licensing order).
Existing fees:
– Application fee for a temporary business license or permit.
– Duplicate license fee.
– Business license fee (for license renewals and licenses for which the license application fee has not been paid).
remark:
The licensing authority may refuse to accept an application for a business license if the required documents are not attached, but it is obliged to provide written reasons for the rejection.
Step 3 – Review of the application
The application and accompanying documents are examined by the Business Licensing Unit, and after approval, the local authority will issue the applicant a certificate stating that the application has been approved.
Step 4 – Transferring the application to the authorities and approvers
The application is forwarded by the Business Licensing Department in parallel with an engineering inspection by the Ma'ale HaGalil Local Planning and Building Committee to check the business's compliance with planning and building laws, and to the relevant authorities and approval providers (Fire Department, Environmental Protection, Police, Ministry of Health, Economy and Ministry of Agriculture) as well as to other authorities as needed, in order to receive their approval and conditions or their reasoned objection to opening the business.
Note: Each approving/granting authority will examine the application in accordance with the authority granted to it by law and will not condition its approval on the representation of another authority - this will maintain the principle of separation of powers.
Stage 5 – Examining eligibility for a temporary license/permit
The Business Licensing Department coordinates the opinions and conditions of the licensing authorities and issuers.
Positive answer – the local authority issues the temporary license/permit and the conditions for operating the business and has the head of the licensing authority sign the license.
Negative response from the permit issuer – the local authority will issue the applicant a reasoned letter refusing to grant the license.
Granting prerequisites – The local authority or the permit holder does not approve the opening of the business before fulfilling prerequisites that satisfy the local authority or permit holder.
Step 6 - Issuance of a business license / temporary permit
Issuing a business license/temporary permit by summoning the business owner and having him sign a statement stating that no changes have been made to the business and granting a license in person.
Important to know!
The Licensing Authority is not authorized to issue a business license or temporary permit without obtaining the approval of the issuers and the approval authorities. A business license / temporary permit is not valid as long as the declaration is not signed and the fee is not paid.
Please note: Issuing a business license is a complex process that requires many tests and requirements that cost a lot of money. It is not recommended to take any step of financial significance, including changes to the existing business, before checking that it will be possible to issue a business license at the address in question.
Check: At the local planning and building committee in Ma'ale HaGalil, whether it is possible to establish a business as requested at the required address according to the existing plans and planning trends. You should also check whether there are any construction irregularities in the structure. You can also consult with the council engineer.