Business Resources

We are committed to fostering a vibrant business community in the Borough of Avalon! This page will help you navigate local regulations, access resources, and build a thriving community.
Download this packet to keep these resources on hand.

Contacts

The Borough of avalon

administrative department

Main Office …………………………………………………………………. 412-761-5820 Website ……………………………………………………………….. boroughofavalon.org

Department of Public Works

Main Office …………………………………………………………………. 412-761-5959

Avalon Public Library

Library Phone ………………………………………………………………. 412-761-2288

Avalon Police Department

Emergencies ………………………………………………………………… Call 911 Non-emergency ……………………………………………………………. 412-761-0353

Avalon Volunteer Fire Company

Emergencies ………………………………………………………………… Call 911 Non-emergency ……………………………………………………………. 412-766-2244

Local Service Providers

Duquesne Light Company (Electric)

Customer Service for Businesses ……………………………………. 412-393-7300 Emergency …………………………………………………………………. 888-393-7000 Website …………………………………………………………………. duquesnelight.com

Columbia Gas

Customer Service ……………………………………………………….. 1-888-460-4332 Emergency ..……………………………………………………………….. 1-888-460-4332 Website ………………………………………………………………… columbiagaspa.com

West View Water Authority

Customer Service …………………………………………………………. 412-931-3500 Emergency …………………………………………………………………… 412-931-3292 Administration Office …………………………………………………… 412-931-3292 Website ………………………………………………………………… westviewwater.org

Waste Management

Customer Service ………………………………………………………. 1-800-866-4460 Website ………………………………………………………………… wm.com

Business Contacts

Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce*

Contact Phone ………………………………………………………………. 412-281-1890 Website …………………………….. greaterpittsburghchamberofcommerce.com

Allegheny Conference on Community Development*

Contact Phone ………………………………………………………………. 412-281-1890 Website ………………………………………………………… alleghenyconference.org

Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh*

Contact Phone ………………………………………………………………. 412-281-1890 Website ………………………………………………………………………… pelgp.org

Pittsburgh Region*

Community Development Office ……………………………….…… 412-392-4783 Website ………………………………………………………………. pittsburghregion.org
*AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

Main Office …………………………………………………………………… 412-391-5590 Website ………………………………………………………………………… spcregion.org

Startup Checklist

Use this checklist to navigate the key steps for opening a business in the Borough of Avalon.
Step 1: Develop your Business Idea
  • Define your product or service
  • Draft a basic business plan – many funders require this (see Trainings and Educational Resources section)
  • Identify your target market and competitors
  • Identify required licenses or certifications
  • Explore planning support (See Trainings and Educational Resources section)
Step 3: Register your Business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Register your business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Obtain an EIN (employer identification number) from the IRS, if needed
  • Use the PA Business One-Stop Shop for structure, name, and tax setup (see Registering your Business in PA section)
  • Consult an accountant or tax advisor
  • Open a business bank account
Step 2: Select a Location
  • Confirm your intended location is compliant with zoning regulations (see Zoning and Land Use section)
  • Review the Avalon Zoning Map (see here)
  • Begin property purchase or lease process
Step 4: Inspections & Obtain Required Permits
  • Apply for building, zoning, and signage permits if needed (see Local Regulations section)
  • Schedule a Commercial Occupancy and Fire Safety Inspections before opening (see Local Regulations section)
  • Get insurance – explore coverage (e.g. liability, property, or professional)
  • Create a safety plan and/or employee handbook
Step 5: Set up Utilities
Step 6: Explore Funding Opportunities
  • Contact electric, gas, water, and waste providers to establish service (see Contact section)
  • Schedule service start dates to align with construction/move-in timeline
  • Review local, state, and federal loans and grants
  • Consider organizations like SBA, DCED, and The Progress Fund (see Funding Resources section)
  • Prepare documentation needed for funding applications
  • Track deadlines
Step 7: Build and Expand your Network
Step 8: Launch and Promote
  • Join business organizations and attend events
  • Use online and in-person networking platforms
Step 9: Stay Connected
  • Create a website and social media presence
  • Claim your Google Business Profile
  • Design print materials (business cards, flyers) and signage
  • Attend community events to promote your business
Tip: Keep a Business Binder with Copies of:
  • Bookmark the Avalon Borough website to stay updated
  • Reach out to the Administrative Office with questions or for support
  • Call 412-761-5820 or email info@boroughofavalon.org
  • Permits & inspections
  • Tax & registration documents
  • Utility account information
  • Important contacts
  • Funding applications
  • Marketing plans
  • Any other important documents

Local regulations

Operating a business in Avalon requires compliance with local property regulations, permits, and ordinances. Understanding these requirements will help ensure your business is set up for success and you avoid unnecessary delays.
Zoning and Land Use
Check Zoning:
  • Confirm your business location is zoned for your intended use.
  • Avalon has adopted the Tri-Borough Joint Ordinance, which defines permitted, conditional, and special exception uses for each district (Mixed Use, Neighborhood Commercial, Highway Commercial).
  • The official zoning map is available on the Planning & Zoning page. Review it to confirm your property's district.
See Article IV. District Regulations. §2000-405. Land Uses. of the Joint Zoning Ordinance for further details.
Business Tax:
The Borough of Avalon does not currently have a business tax.
Permits
Building Permit:
Required for new construction, major repairs, alterations, or additions. Submit detailed plans and obtain approval before starting work.
Signage:
Any new signage must comply with Avalon's sign ordinance and regulations. All signs require a zoning permit. If the sign has electrical components (like lights) or projections, it will also require a building permit. See Avalon Ordinance No. 1388 for specific sign requirements.
Inspections
Commercial Occupancy Inspection:
Needed before occupying a new or renovated space, or when changing the use of an existing building. The Zoning Officer will inspect the premises to ensure compliance.
Fire Safety Inspection:
An annual commercial fire safety inspection is required. Often, this is done at the same time as the commercial occupancy inspection.
Find forms and more details regarding inspections on the forms page.
For questions about permits, zoning, and ordinances, contact the Avalon Borough Administrative Office at 412-716-5820.

registering your business in Pennsylvania

Before you open your doors, you must register your business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This process ensures that you are compliant with all required state-level regulations, including tax registration, business structure designation, and licensing.
Start Here: PA Business One-Stop Shop
The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is the state's central hub for starting, registering, and operating a business. It offers guided support through:
  • Business structure selection (e.g. LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
  • Name registration and legal requirements
  • Tax Registration and licensing requirements
  • State compliance information
Understand your Tax Obligations
Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue publishes a helpful guide: "Starting a Business in Pennsylvania: A Guide to Pennsylvania Taxes"
This guide explains key tax responsibilities for business owners, including:
  • Sales and Use Tax
  • Sales Tax License
  • Exemption Certificate
  • Employer Withholding
  • Reporting Income
  • Keeping Records
Download the Guide:
  • Go to www.pa.gov
  • Navigate to the Search Bar
  • Enter "Rev-588" OR "Starting a Business in Pennsylvania: A Guide to Pennsylvania Taxes"
  • Open the document with the ID "Rev-588"
For more guidance, you may also visit My Pennsylvania Tax Hub (myPATH) at www.mypath.pa.gov

Trainings and Educational Resources

Here, you will find a list of organizations that provide training and educational resources for small business owners.

Networking resources

Below are some organizations and resources to help you network and build a strong, resilient foundation for your business.
Specific Resources
General Resources

Funding resources

Below are some funding resources to help you build and improve your business. The first table contains some resources to help you find funding sources and understand them. The second table lists loans and grants to get you started when looking for funding sources.