Starting a Business in Bastrop? First Stop Is City Hall

Why City Hall Comes First

The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) wants to give your new business the best chance of success. Meeting and engaging with the departments at City Hall is the best way to:

• Avoid costly mistakes
• Understand local rules early
• Know before you lease or build
• Save time and money
• Prevent delays
• Get answers in one place
• Start compliant from day one
• Connect to local resources

City Hall helps you start smart, legal, and set up for success. Below are all the ways City Hall can aid in your business venture in Bastrop.

Zoning & Location

The location of your business should align with the type of business you’re running. In addition to supply-chain accessibility and workforce availability, you must confirm the zoning designation of the property to ensure the type of business is allowed at that location and determine any associated site development requirements. A zoning pre-application meeting should be held with Development Services staff prior to breaking ground to communicate any required permits and processes.

Allowed at This Address?

There are specific places in town for specific types of businesses. To ensure your business and its preferred location is compliant with the city’s zoning regulations, visit the city’s Development Services Department.

Sign Rules

Bastrop has a strict sign code. Before designing the signage to your business, speak to the city’s Development Services Department at City Hall to ensure your sign complies with city ordinances.

Parking & Occupancy

Bastrop’s parking rules balance business needs with maintaining the city’s aesthetic and walkability. Parking requirements are tied to the gross floor area and specific use of the building. Check the city’s Development Code for current parking requirements.

Permits & Licenses

While Texas does not require a general business license, there are a number of state and local permits and licenses required to operate a business in Texas. Both the Bastrop County and City of Bastrop’s Building and Permitting pages contain information on local permits, and the city’s Development Services Department at City Hall can assist with this and more as well. Apply for zoning applications, building permits, inspection requests, or meetings with staff on the MyGov Citizen Portal.

Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is required for any business opening and operating within a building. (Food trucks require a mobile food vendor permit.) Check in and receive this certificate with the city’s Development Services Department.

Home-Based Rules

The City of Bastrop allows no-impact home-based businesses provided they remain "incidental and subordinate" to residential use. For most home-based businesses, commercial signage is prohibited.

Food, Alcohol, & Special Permits

Operating a business that serves food or alcohol in Bastrop requires a layered permitting process involving both the City of Bastrop and Bastrop County.

Local Regulations

Opening a business in Bastrop requires adhering to a number of codes, policies, and procedures administered by the City of Bastrop and Bastrop County. City Hall can help ensure these requirements prove no obstacle to opening day.

Building Codes

The city updates its building codes regularly, so it’s best to check in at City Hall immediately to ensure your new business meets the necessary requirements.

Inspections

To open a business in Bastrop, you must clear a series of inspections from both the City of Bastrop and Bastrop County. These include building, fire safety, health, and sanitation inspections. The City offers pre-application meetings at no charge prior to lease or purchase to better ascertain how much investment a building or site location requires.

Health Requirements

Health requirements in Bastrop are a two-tier system. While the City of Bastrop handles your zoning and building safety, the Bastrop County Public Health Department is the primary authority for health and food safety.

Technical Assistance

For additional planning, guidance, and support, consult with the BEDC, located right across the hall from the Development Services Department at City Hall. The BEDC connects entrepreneurs and business owners with valuable tools, funding opportunities, and expert guidance from organizations at the local, regional, and state levels. Their mission is to make any new venture in Bastrop a successful one. 

Connections & Resources

The BEDC will put you in touch with the right people to get your business off the ground as quickly as possible. Additionally, the BEDC will make sure you have access to critical hiring and employer resources and support organizations in the area.

Business Planning

The business plan serves as the strategic blueprint for your business. It details your primary goals, structure, financial needs, and competitive strengths in the local market. Both the U.S. Small Business Administration and Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office offer helpful templates and further guidance to aid you in creating your business plan. The BEDC is also available at City Hall to help review and revise your plan to ensure you get the most out of building in Bastrop.

Financial Guidance

There are a variety of options available when it comes to funding your new business. The BEDC will help you find the right financing options. The BEDC will walk you through what banks require for a loan, help connect you to the right people, and provide you with any further guidance needed to ensure your new venture in Bastrop is a successful one.

Start Informed, Not Surprised

Success in Bastrop starts at City Hall. The BEDC welcomes you here and invites you to visit our website and/or reach out if you need more information. See you at City Hall!