Effective Date: May 2024

1.1 Any individual who wishes to open a business in Woodcrest must be a member in good standing of the community.

1.2 Businesses must be operated on designated commercial rental plots within Woodcrest.

1.3 Individuals must not have any outstanding fines or unresolved infractions with the Woodcrest Police Department at the time of application.

1.4 All businesses must adhere to any current Rental Agreement and Condition terms, found here: https://woodcrest.university/town-life/rentals/

1.5 All businesses must abide by any current Designated Use terms outlined in the Rental Agreement.

2.1 Individuals must submit a business proposal to the Chamber of Commerce for review and approval before renting a commercial plot.

2.2 The proposal must include:

• Business name and type (e.g. retail, service, entertainment, etc.)
• Detailed description of products/services offered
• Target customer base and how it fits into the Woodcrest community
• Proposed location (specific rental plot if known)
• Any special requirements or requests (e.g. zoning variances)
• Proof of any necessary permits or licenses (e.g. alcohol permit, health department certifications)

2.3 Individuals are responsible for obtaining all required permits and licenses from the appropriate Woodcrest and Massachusetts authorities before submitting their proposal.

2.4 Proposals must be submitted via https://woodcrest.university/town-life/business-proposal/

3.1 The Chamber of Commerce will review each proposal to ensure it meets the following criteria:

• Fits within the theme and setting of a university town in Massachusetts
• Does not significantly overlap with existing businesses in Woodcrest
• Provides roleplay opportunities for the community
• Complies with all sim rules and regulations

3.2 The Chamber may request additional information or suggest changes to the proposal before making a decision.

3.3 Proposals will be processed in the order they are received for each specific parcel of land. The Chamber will strive to approve, deny, or provide an "under review" status for each proposal within one week of submission. However, if additional time is needed to address any issues or concerns with the application, the Chamber reserves the right to extend the review process as necessary. The Chamber will keep the applicant informed of any delays and provide an estimated timeline for a final decision.

3.4 Proposals are reviewed by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

4.1 Upon approval, individuals must complete the rental process for their designated commercial plot within one week.

4.2 Individuals must move into their business within one week of renting the plot.

4.3 Businesses must be open for business within one month of the approval of their business.

4.4 Businesses must adhere to all sim rules and regulations, including any specific to commercial properties.

4.5 The Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to revoke approval if the business deviates significantly from the approved proposal or violates any rules.

5.1 Any significant changes to the business (e.g. change of location, major shift in products/services) must be submitted to the Chamber for approval.

5.2 If an individual wishes to transfer ownership of their business to another individual, the new owner must submit a proposal to the Chamber for approval.

6.1 Businesses that are owned and operated by the sim administrators (i.e. not individually-owned) will be exempt from the application and approval process.

6.2 These businesses will be carefully selected to enhance the overall roleplay experience and fill any gaps in the Woodcrest business ecosystem.

6.3 Sim-owned businesses will still be required to adhere to all relevant rules and regulations.

6.4 Sim-owned businesses may be managed ICly by members of the community by appointment from Sim Administrators. Sim Administrators reserve the right to change sim-owned businesses or their management at any time, for any reason.

6.5 Sim staff retain final say in the operation and usage of sim-owned businesses, including their use within storylines and other roleplay scenarios.

7.1 The following businesses require additional permits or licenses to operate within Woodcrest:

• Health department certification
• Food handlers permits for all employees

• Alcohol permit

• Dispensary license

7.2 Permits and licenses can be issued by the following organizations:

• Heath department certification
• Food handler permit
• Dispensary license

• Alcohol permit

7.3 Individuals are responsible for researching and obtaining all necessary permits and licenses prior submitting their business proposal. The Chamber of Commerce can provide guidance and resources to assist in this process, but ultimately it is the individual's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

8.1 Compliance for all necessary licenses and permits will be governed by the issuing organizations.

8.2 Businesses that deviate from their approved proposal, lapses in compliance with their permits or violate any Woodcrest or Massachusetts laws will face penalties, which may include:

• Fines or civil penalties
• Temporary closure or suspension of operations
• Eviction from the commercial rental plot
• In severe cases, forfeiture of any rent paid and permanent ban from operating a business in Woodcrest

8.3 The specific penalties will be determined by the Chamber of Commerce and/or sim administrators based on the nature and severity of the violation.

The following types of zoning variances provided are examples and other types of variances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Default zoning: Commercial rental plots are zoned for retail, service, or entertainment businesses only.

Variance request: A player wants to open a bookstore with a small café inside. They would request a variance to allow for a mixed-use property that combines retail (bookstore) and food service (café) in a single commercial plot.

Default zoning: Businesses are not allowed to have outdoor seating or display areas that extend beyond their designated commercial plot.

Variance request: A player wants to open a garden center with an outdoor display area for plants and landscaping materials. They would request a variance to allow for an extended outdoor display area adjacent to their commercial plot.

Default zoning: Business signs must fit within the logical boundaries of the commercial plot (e.g. pre-existing signage, above-door, along banisters, small 'overhang' style sign). Signs must not impede on the traffic, pedestrian and vehicular, of the surrounding area.

Variance request: A player wants to install a larger, eye-catching sign for their boutique clothing store. They would request a variance to allow for a sign that extend beyond their designated commercial plot restrictions.

The Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to amend this Business Approval Process as necessary to maintain a fair and equitable business environment in Woodcrest. Any changes will be communicated to the community in a timely manner.

By submitting a business proposal, individuals acknowledge and agree to abide by the rules and guidelines outlined in this document.

For any questions or concerns regarding the Business Approval Process, please contact the Woodcrest Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving business proposals submitted by individuals. The Board consists of the following members:

• Sim Administrators
• Sim Moderators
• Roleplay Moderators

The Board of Directors works together to ensure that all business proposals align with the goals and standards of the Woodcrest community, and that the approval process is fair and consistent for all applicants.