There is a well-worn phrase uttered by judges and regulators everywhere, whenever a defendant charged with a violation of law argues, “I didn’t know that was against the law.” That phrase is: Ignorance of the law is no excuse. It is in fact the law of the land. It is up to you as a business owner to be aware of all laws that impact your particular business and to comply with those laws.

One practical application of this principle is the requirement in some jurisdictions that you obtain a permit as a condition to conducting business in that jurisdiction. Open your doors without the required permits and you risk having your business shut down, a possible public announcement of your violation of the law and almost certainly financial penalties.

What types of permits are required? It depends on the nature of your business, but here are some examples: Occupancy permits, waste water discharge permits, health department permits, business licenses, sign permits, zoning compliance licenses, and on, and on.

Who do you figure out what permits or licenses you may need for your business? Start at city hall in the municipality where you plan to operate. Review the municipal ordinances, which contain local business regulations. Also consult the state agency that regulates your industry: they typically publish basic legal compliance information for new businesses. The Secretary of State in the state where you operate can also be a good source of regulatory compliance for new businesses.

Just remember that, in the end, “Ignorance of the Law is not excuse.”