In the United States, the glamping industry has a market size of more than $500 million.
And it is growing at a rate of more than 20% per year.
As more people enter the glamping industry, they will ask the same question.
Whether I need a license or permission to start a glamping business?
There is no doubt about it, the answer is ‘yes’.
Usually, getting a business license for glamping takes work and is often time-consuming and laborious.
If you would like to find out how to get a license to start a glamping business, make sure you read this article.
Glamping Business Licence-What it is?
A glamping business license is an official authorization that allows individuals or companies to legally operate a glamping business.
This license is a crucial part of starting a glamping business. You need to have this license to make sure that your business follows all the laws and rules.
To get a glamping business license, you might need to give the following information:
- Where your glamping site is?
- How many glamping units you will use?
- What kind of glamping units you will use?
- What amenities and facilities you will provide?
- What safety measures you will take?
Getting a glamping business license can take a long time and might cost extra money. But it is necessary to make sure your business follows the local rules.
Why Does Run Glampsite Need a Licence?
In a nutshell, a license is a legal document that allows you to run your glamping business. It’s something you need to have. If you don’t have a license, you could get into trouble with the law and face fines, which would hurt your business.
The specific reasons are as follows.
Health and Safety
One of the primary reasons why a glampsite needs a license is to make sure its guests are safe and healthy. The license means that your business meets safety standards for things like fires, food, and cleanliness.
Environmental Protection
Another reason a glampsite needs a license is to protect the environment. This means that your glamping business will operate in a way that takes care of the environment. Running it by following the rules about protecting the environment.
Liability Protection
Finally, getting a license for your glamping business protects you from liability. It means that you’re covered if anything happens on your glampsite that causes accidents or incidents. This can help protect your business from legal action and financial damages.
What Kind of Glamping Accommodation Need a Licence?
To know if you need a license for your Glamping Accommodation, you must check the local laws and regulations regarding it as a permanent building or not.
If the local laws classified your glamping accommodation as a temporary building or semi-permanent building, your bar for getting permission is much lower.
Keep in mind that regulations vary by state, city, and county.
It’s best to consult with local authorities or the building department for more details.
Here are some types of glamping accommodations that usually need a license for business propose:
Tents
If you plan to set up tents for temporary events, such as weddings and festivals, you may not need a license from the local authorities. However, If you’re operating a commercial glampsite with tents for guests, you will need a business license.
Yurts
Although yurts were used as temporary living spaces by nomads. They are becoming popular as a glamping accommodation for tourists.
As a result, if a yurt remains in one place for an extended period of time, it may be considered a permanent building and need a license. So, each yurt used for glamping must get a license.
Treehouses & Cabins
Building Treehouses & Cabins is more challenging than other types of glamping accommodations. Due to their difficult and unique design.
To ensure safety, these structures are considered permanent buildings. They must meet specific safety and building codes. Getting a license from local authorities is required.
Domes
Domes have a unique shape, so they need many steel frames to support them. To keep people safe, building codes require that domes meet certain standards. Getting a license means the dome is built safely and meets these standards, which protects people in and around the dome.
The Things You Need to Ensure Before Apply for the Licence
Local Laws and regulations
Before starting your glamping business, you need to be aware of the local and regional laws or regulations, including Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR’s).
If you’re unsure how to check zoning, consider befriending a local building inspector. You can involve them in your construction project early on.
This can help you avoid future issues.
Besides checking the height limit, you should also research the building structure allowed, the number of rooms you can have, how much floor area is allowed, and whether pets are allowed.
Those are all you should make clear before choosing a parcel of land.
How to Host
When you have guests over, you need to think about the kind of experience you want to give them. First, decide if you want to provide a fancy camping trip or a simpler one. If you’re planning to offer yoga classes, set up a yoga studio. You can also offer massages, but make sure you find someone who knows how to do it well. Finally, make sure your guests can do things like hiking, fishing, and swimming, and consider taking them on tours of nearby places.
What Kind of Glamping Accommodations
Once you know what you want to offer, think about how your structure will look and what it will include. Will you go for a natural feel or a more luxurious one? Which structures and amenities will you use to blend into the natural surroundings?
For example, if you want luxury style, consider providing facilities with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. If you prefer a more rustic style, offer communal bathrooms, and outdoor cooking facilities.
Business plan
A well-crafted business plan can help you map out your financial projections.
Identifying potential opportunities and threats in the market.
Besides, a comprehensive business plan can help you stay on track and ensure that your glamping business is successful in the long run.
How to Apply for a Glampsite Licence?
After you have researched the local regulations and zoning requirements and determined the type of glampsite, you can start the application process.
The following is a simplified version of the application process for reference only.
Contact Local Authorities
– Contact the local appropriate regulatory agency responsible for glampsite licensing.
– Inquire about the specific requirements, forms, and documents needed.
Complete Application Forms
– Get the application forms for a glampsite license from the relevant authority.
– Fill out the forms and provide all required information.
Site Plan and Design
– Prepare a detailed site plan that outlines the layout of the campsite, including the placement of tents, structures, amenities, parking areas, and access routes.
– Ensure that the site plan aligns with zoning regulations, health and safety standards, and any environmental considerations.
Submit Supporting Documents
– Gather any extra documents, which may include insurance certificates, business plans, and financial statements.
Pay Fees
– Pay the required application fees, which can vary depending on the size and nature of your campsite.
Review and Approval Process
– Submit your complete application package to the licensing authority.
– Your application will be reviewed for compliance with local regulations and standards.
– Depending on your location, the review process may involve multiple departments.
Inspections and Final Approval
– Schedule and pass any required inspections to ensure that your campsite meets the necessary criteria.
– Once the local agency approves your application, you will receive your campsite license soon.
What Other Legal Documents Do You Need for a Glamping Business?
Just like any other developing business, the glamping industry needs various complete legal documents to operate.
Here are some required documents, apart from to the business license:
Contracts
Contracts are important legal papers for any business. They help set the rules and guidelines for your business connections with customers, suppliers, and partners.
Employment Agreements
If you want to hire people for your glamping business, you need to have agreements in place that explain the terms of employment. These agreements cover important details like pay, benefits, and responsibilities.
Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of your lease agreement with your landlord.
Business Structure and Registration
You have to choose a type of business for your glamping company. This could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.
Each business structure has different legal requirements and tax implications.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance is also an essential legal document for any business.
Make sure you have insurance for your glamping business to protect yourself from any problems that might happen.
Health and Safety Standards
As a glamping business owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your guests are safe and healthy during their stay.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Glamping businesses often operate in natural environments, so it is essential to consider the environmental impact of your business.
Fianl Thoughts
In conclusion, securing a glamping business license is not just a formality but a crucial step in ensuring a thriving and legally compliant venture.
From understanding why a glampsite needs a license to the specific accommodations requiring one, this guide provides a concise roadmap.
The checklist for things to ensure before applying, coupled with insights into the application process and other necessary legal documents, forms a comprehensive overview.
So, with licenses secured, legalities locked down, and your glamping vision crystal clear, you’re ready to open the doors (or flaps) to unforgettable experiences.
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, fostering a community where aspiring glampsite owners can exchange valuable insights!
