The majority of businesses in Pittsylvania County do not need a business license to operate. At the present time, the only types of business that Pittsylvania County requires to have a business license are:

• Amusement: Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue for fees.
• Bondsman: Required to get prior approval from the Circuit Court Judge. The fee is $50.
• Dance Hall: Approved and issued by the County Administrator.
• Solid Waste Collections: Required to get prior approval through County Administration. Fee consists of $50 per vehicle. Submit the refuse hauler permit application to the the Public Works Director.  

Any business locating or planning to do business in the towns of Chatham, Gretna, or Hurt must check with the town office for any license fees.

All businesses located in or operating in Pittsylvania County must have zoning approval for the business location from the Community Development Department’s Zoning Office. A property’s zoning can be found on the County’s GIS website by searching based on the parcel ID, property address, or owner. A list of permitted uses and uses allowed by Special Use Permit can be found for each zoning classification in the County’s Zoning Ordinance.

Different business types are subject to regulations from State Agencies.  

• All contracting businesses that complete jobs of more than $1,000 must maintain a State Contractors License. The Department of Professional Occupation Regulation oversees contractors. 
• Restaurants and all other businesses serving prepared food must contact the local office of the Virginia State Health Department for a health permit.
• Any business dealing with or selling alcoholic beverages must apply for and receive an ABC Permit. 
• The Department of Agriculture requires all grocery and convenience stores that don't serve prepared food to maintain permits. 
• The Department of Social Services regulates daycare centers for more than four children and adult homes with more than three residents. 
• Owners of Barbershops and Beauty Salons must have a Shop or Salon License, which can be obtained from the Department of Cosmetology.

Different types of businesses in Pittsylvania County are subject to different taxes and fees. Some common business taxes include: 

• Meals Tax
• Machinery and Tools Tax
• Transient Occupancy Tax
• Business Personal Property Tax

Any new business should contact the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue at 434-432-7945 with any questions about business taxes. 

All business in the Commonwealth of Virginia must register with the Virginia Department of Taxation. 

There are many different utility providers that operate within the Pittsylvania County limits. 

Electric

Five different power companies provide service in different areas of the County. 

• Appalachian Power Company 
• Danville Utilities
• Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative 
• Dominion Energy
• Southside Electric Cooperative

Water 

• Pittsylvania County Public Works
• Danville Utilities
• Town of Chatham
• Town of Hurt
• Town of Gretna