1 INITIAL STARTUP CONSIDERATIONS
LIFE ASSET
2448A 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 709-0652 · lifeasset.org
STEP 2:
SELECTING A LOCATION
One of the first obstacles when starting a business is
selecting a physical location. The neighborhood, and even
the street you choose, are integral when determining if
you qualify for certain government incentive programs
(see Chapter 5: Financial Incentives). Among other
items of importance, your location impacts target market
accessibility, your capacity to attract and retain employees,
and the type of occupancy permits you may need. You
will be required to have a business location and to submit
a Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit
when applying for your business license at the DC
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Important factors to consider when choosing a location for
your business:
How accessible is your proposed location?
• Will it be accessible to your potential clients of all ages
and abilities?
• Is parking nearby? Is there a significant amount of
foot traffic?
• Are you near a Metrorail station, Bikeshare station, bus
stop, or major intersection?
Are the price and leasing terms right for you?
• How much revenue will you require to cover your lease?
• What amenities are included in your lease?
• Will you have to build to suit? Will the landlord outfit the
space or cover the cost for tenant improvements?
• Are you able to commit to a long-term lease, or would
more flexible office space options be more suitable for you
and your company?
Does the site meet your requirements?
• Is the space zoned for your type of business (i.e.,
industrial, residential, commercial, or mixed-use)?
DC DOING BUSINESS GUIDE 2018/2019 15
• Will you require loading bays? Do you need elevators?
Do you want to operate your business from home?
• What amount of savings do you anticipate to have from
operating a home-based business?
• How will you be able to reach your clients?
• Will you be able to run your type of business from home?
ZONING REGULATIONS
As of September 6, 2016, DC has new zoning regulations to
align with the District’s goals for achieving a healthy, vibrant,
more diverse, and more environmentally sustainable city. Visit
maps.dcoz.dc.gov for more information.
SITE LOCATION NEXT STEPS
• If you operate your business from a residential
property, you will need to obtain a Home Occupation
Permit (see Chapter 2: Registration & Licensing). In
addition, there are also restrictions on the number
of employees you can have in a home-based business
and how many deliveries or customers can come to
your home each day.
• Download or pick up WDCEP's Neighborhood
Profiles and Development Report publications to
give you an idea of where you might want to locate or
expand your business in DC at wdcep.com/resources
or 1495 F Street, NW.
• If you plan to operate your business in a
commercially leased property, you may contact one of
the organizations in the following section to identify
resources that best fit your needs.
/lifeasset.org
/maps.dcoz.dc.gov
/resources