Important Business Information

Over 250 businesses make their home in Wise.  The Town does not regulate these businesses, but does assess an annual license tax based on the yearly gross receipts of a business. The Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax is as follows:

Businesses licenses are issued by the Treasurer’s Office. Initial applications for a new business are $30.

When re-applying for a business license you will need to provide the gross receipts for your business as reported to the Virginia Department of Taxation. The filing and payment deadline for the BPOL tax is May 1st of each calendar year.

FY 14 an annual waterworks operation fee, not to exceed $3 shall be charged to each water customer account.

Garbage

Commercial:

• $24.00/Month per Dumpster for 1 Pick-Up/Week
• $48.00/Month per Dumpster for 2 Pick-Ups/Week
• $72.00/Month per Dumpster for 3 Pick-Ups/Week
• $96.00/Month per Dumpster for 4 Pick-Ups/Week
• $120.00/Month per Dumpster for 5 Pick-Ups/Week
• $144.00/Month per Dumpster for 6 Pick-Ups/Week

Residential:

• $12.00/Month for 1 Pick-Up/Week
• $24.00/Month for 2 Pick-Ups/Week
• $36.00/Month for 3 Pick-Ups/Week
• $48.00/Month for 4 Pick-Ups/Week
• $60.00/Month for 5 Pick-Ups/Week
• $72.00/Month for 6 Pick-Ups/Week

Building & Zoning

The Town of Wise requires that a Zoning Permit be obtained before making most improvements to your property.  Once obtained, the Zoning Permit should be taken to the Wise County Building Inspector’s Office in order to secure a building permit.  A landowner should call the town’s Zoning Officer at 328-6013 to determine if a Zoning Permit will be required for planned activities. 

For most new construction, including but not limited to constructing a new driveway, installing a storage building, adding onto your building, or constructing a new building, you must complete a zoning permit application.  Said application must be accompanied by a copy of your deed and property survey or plat.  The fee for issuance of a standard Zoning Permit is $35.  

Some uses requiring the exercise of planning judgment as to location and site development will involve additional permits and a more extensive protocol of review by the Planning Commission, Town Council, and/or the Board of Zoning Appeals. They are as follows:

Building & Zoning Permits

Building permits for construction activity may be obtained from the Inspector’s office in the Wise County Courthouse. Before a building permit can be issued you must present a copy of a Zoning Permit.  Zoning Permits for construction activity in the Town are obtained from the office of the Town Zoning Administrator located in the Wise Municipal Building. Any one requesting a Zoning Permit must complete an application and provide a copy of the property deed and survey.  In addition, if a contractor will be performing the work, the contractor must obtain a license to do business in Wise.  In many cases significant repairs and building additions require permits as does demolition. Check with the Town Zoning Administrator and the County Building Inspector before starting any work.

Sign Permits

A sign permit is required before any exterior sign may be erected or installed in the Town of Wise. This requirement applies to all types of signs including but not limited to free standing, wall mounted, and marquee signs. The following information is necessary to process a sign permit application:

• size (area) and dimension of sign
• location of sign on the property or building
• copy of sign text

The fee for a sign permit is $35.00. Sign permits are valid for the life of the sign provided the sign remains in the same location. A change in face plates requires a new permit.