How to Open a Newsstand

The picture of a person running by the newsstand quickly laying down the cost of the daily paper, snatching up the paper while running for a cab is a scene that is common in movies. The part you don't see is the work that the newsstand owner must complete before he opens a newsstand. Here are the steps that must be taken before opening a newsstand.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Obtain an application for opening a newsstand from your local county clerk's office. If you live in a large city, you may have to get the application from your Department of Consumer Affairs. Visit your local government website to find out where to obtain the application.
2. Submit the completed application to the local Community Board for approval or disapproval. Each city or town has a different name for its community board. Check with your city or town's local website for the particulars in your state.
3. Obtain approval from the Department of Transportation. Be sure to include a complete set of building plans for your newsstand along with your application. Incomplete information will stall the process.
4. Submit the application to the Art Commission after you've received an approval from the Department of Transportation. The Art Commission must approve that the stand is aesthetically appropriate for the area in which the stand is being opened.
5. Build your newsstand once you have received all of the appropriate approvals. You are not out of the woods as yet. Your newsstand must be inspected by the Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure that the newsstand was erected in accordance with the application.

Tips & Warnings

• Each state, county, town and city has different local ordinances. Be sure to further investigate the additional approvals and steps necessary to open a newsstand in your area. Most of the information can be found on your state government's website.
• If you are building your newsstand in an historic district, you may need to get approval from the local historical or landmark preservation society.
• There may be several other clearance and obstructions that must be observed. Some states require that the newsstand be a certain number of feet away from things like bus shelters, manholes, service freight entrances, street signs, parking meters and other such obstructions. Be sure to comply with your local ordinances.