Starting a Business
Starting a new business can seem challenging. Permitting, state, and local inspections will be required before you open. If locating inside the City limits, a Certificate of Occupancy will be required by the City. In addition, details such as contact information for utilities and information on City programs can seem daunting to a new business owner. This page is to assist the new business owner by creating awareness of many of the requirements in opening a business.
All businesses must comply with building occupancy requirements from City of Mount Vernon Code Enforcement before opening for business.
The information below is meant to assist you in beginning your new venture.
To obtain state and local permits
903.537.2252
Electric, gas, plumbing inspections
800.252.1386
Tax ID#
800.252.5555
Sales tax permit
903.533.5351
Health Inspections
800.252.1381
Franchise permit
903.537.2342
Franklin County
800.252.1386
Secretary of State requirements
903.537.4536
Franklin Co. Water District (lake)
To arrange utility services
AEP / SWEPCO Electricity // 903.223.5880
Water & Sewer // 903.537.2252
Centerpoint / Natural Gas // 903.826.1980
Verizon // 903.885.1701
Peoples Telephone // 903.878.0104
Helpful phone numbers
City Offices // 903.537.2252
Economic Development Office // 903.537.4495
Mount Vernon Main Street // 903.537.4070
City Code Enforcement // 903.537.2252
County Offices // 903.537.2342
Franklin Co. Water District (lake info) // 903.537.4536
Chamber of Commerce // 903.537.4365
Franklin Co. Industrial Foundation // 713.882.4727
Small Business Development Center // 903.434.8237
Franklin Co. Clerk // 903.537.2342