Fitness Studio Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

2. New Jersey Health Club Registration (Health Club Services Act)

   Every person who sells or offers health club services in New Jersey must register each facility with the Division of Consumer Affairs, Regulated Business Section, under the Health Club Services Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-39 et seq.) and N.J.A.C. 13:45A-25; registration is renewed every two years and must be redone on sale or a change in majority ownership. A studio that sells memberships longer than three months, or collects payments covering more than three months, must also file a surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit or other security equal to 10% of the prior fiscal year's health club service income, subject to a $25,000 minimum and $50,000 maximum ($50,000 flat while selling before the facility opens). Studios whose contracts run three months or less may file a Declaration of Exemption from Security Requirements. Register through the Regulated Business Online Registration Portal.

   Official government source

   $300 registration fee every two years per health club facility, reduced to $150 if paid during the second half of the biennial period (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-25.2); plus a bond or letter of credit of 10% of health club service gross income, minimum $25,000 and maximum $50,000, if not exempt·Register before selling any health club services; the Division publishes no processing time

   $300 registration fee every two years per health club facility, reduced to $150 if paid during the second half of the biennial period (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-25.2); plus a bond or letter of credit of 10% of health club service gross income, minimum $25,000 and maximum $50,000, if not exempt

   Register before selling any health club services; the Division publishes no processing time

1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

2. City of Paterson UCC Construction/Buildings — Certificate of Occupancy (Assembly / Fitness Use)

   A fitness studio in commercial space must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Paterson's UCC Construction/Buildings division, which issues Certificates of Occupancy and Continued Certificates of Occupancy under the Uniform Construction Code; Passaic County has no such authority. The space must be approved for assembly or fitness use, meeting requirements for emergency exits, ventilation, and occupancy load.

   Official government source

   Paterson construction permit and certificate fees are set by city ordinance — confirm the current amount with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.·Depends on plan review and inspection scheduling — confirm current timing with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

   Paterson construction permit and certificate fees are set by city ordinance — confirm the current amount with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

   Depends on plan review and inspection scheduling — confirm current timing with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

3. City of Paterson UCC Construction/Buildings — Construction Permit (for tenant improvements)

   If you renovate or build out the studio space (installing showers, locker rooms, or floor systems, for example), you need a construction permit from the City of Paterson's UCC Construction/Buildings division at 111 Broadway (973-321-1549). Construction permitting in New Jersey is a municipal function under the Uniform Construction Code, so Passaic County has no role. Paterson's building, electrical, plumbing and fire inspectors are licensed by the NJ Department of Community Affairs and carry out the required inspections and final approvals. Commercial plans generally must be prepared by a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer, and you should meet with the Zoning Officer before filing.

   Official government source

   Fees vary with the type of permit, the cost of construction, and the size of the addition or alteration; the Construction Official quotes the amount for your project (City of Paterson Business Handbook).·3–20 days from filing, depending on how much plan review the project needs (City of Paterson Business Handbook).

   Fees vary with the type of permit, the cost of construction, and the size of the addition or alteration; the Construction Official quotes the amount for your project (City of Paterson Business Handbook).

   3–20 days from filing, depending on how much plan review the project needs (City of Paterson Business Handbook).

Official Sources

• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration
• New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

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