I want to start a gas station by my house. Ive found the perfect location.It is next to a strip of land that will be turned into a strip mall soon and I want to take advantage of the situation. The next closest station in either direction is at least a mile and a half away. The land I want to purchase is up for sale and has been for quite some time.


I am not sure how to proceed. I am not sure of the zoning of the area because there is residential area basically right next door. How would I find out if it is even possible to build a gas station there and if it is possible how would I go about financing the project?


Ive heard that it is very expensive and difficult to to open a new gas station, that I would be better off trying to by an existing business. Is this true? If so could I get investors to put up the money needed to finance the deal.

Also I was wondering what kind of environmental requirements there would be to start a gas station so close to a residential area. I already have a contractor in the family with at least 30 or 40 years experience that would take care every aspect of the construction so that won't be a problem.

Any advice and incite would be greatly appreciated.

The reason people say buying an existing gas station might be easier is due to the fact you wouldn't be worrying *as much* about the regulatory and zoning issues of starting one from scratch.

Having said that, depending on the age of the gas station and its storage tanks, you may have to pay for upgrades upon the transfer of ownership. It is difficult to answer your question without knowing your location.

To attract investors, you are going to need a good business plan, which would include sales projections throughout the year, a return on investment forecast, etc. etc. At 19, I would think the biggest obstacle would be lack of experience.

If you had a very experienced Gas Station Owner or GM as your "VP of Operations", and you were left to worry about the business and marketing side of the business, you may be able to find some Angel Investors who would be impressed by your energy, drive and gumption.