Required for all new and remodeling construction if located within city limits
applies to: General Business Information
Required for all entities doing business within city limits. See "County Unincorporated" for businesses located outside of city limits.
Businesses may be subject to a yearly inspection of facility - annual fee may be charged.
Required for home-based businesses
Example: zone change, variance, conditional use permit. Required if business located within incorporated city limits.
agency note: For zoning information please call (559) 324-2309.
Some city police departments offer business crime prevention programs and may also issue permits for certain activities i.e. burglar alarm, solicitors, etc. - requirements vary from city to city
Required in most cities when erecting or painting a sign. Certain restrictions may apply.
A Fictitious Business Name (FBN) or Doing Business As (DBA) statement is required when the business name does not include the surname of the individual owner(s) and each of the partners; or the business name suggests the existence of additional owners; or the nature of the business in not clearly evident by the name of the business. For example Bill Smith and Sons Plumbing would require a FBN because the name implies additional owners, Bill Smith Plumbing does not require a FBN. Bill Smith Industries would require a FBN because it does not identify the nature of the business.
If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.
agency note: Also, if you are conducting business as one of the following, you must file a bond with the Secretary of State's Office: immigration consultant, credit services organization, dance studio, discount buying organization, employment agency, employment counseling service, invention developer, job listing service, nurses registry, or auctioneer or auction company.
Harassment or discrimination in employment is prohibited if it is based on a person's race, ancestry, national origin, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, physical disability (including AIDS), mental disability, marital status, medical condition (cured cancer), and refusal of family care leave. Discrimination in housing, public services and accommodations is also prohibited.
agency note: Employers must post the Harassment or Discrimination in Employment notice (DFEH 162) and provide their employees with a copy of the DFEH's information sheet on sexual harassment (DFEH 185) or a statement that contains equivalent information. Employers must also provide notice of an employee's right to request pregnancy disability leave or transfer, as well as notice to request a family and medical care leave (CFRA). Employers with 5 or more employees must maintain all personnel records for a minimum of 2 years.
Businesses with employees must prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. The state provides a no-fee consultation service to assist employers with preventing unsafe working conditions and workplace hazards.
Required to file a registration form within 15 days after paying more than $100.00 in wages to one or more employees. No distinction is made between full-time and part-time or permanent and temporary employees in meeting this requirement.
All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit.
agency note: For Additional information about RESALE CERTIFICATE go to this website: www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/faqresale.htm
Businesses should obtain the appropriate State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.
agency note: All businesses are required to submit a Business Income Tax statement annually.
Businesses with employees must comply with laws establishing minimum standards for wages, hours and working conditions.
Businesses with employees must maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage on either a self-insured basis, or provided through a commercial carrier, or the State Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund.
Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations, must obtain an Employer Identification Number from the I.R.S. Businesses can obtain appropriate Federal income tax forms from this location.
agency note: Additional office locations: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-California
Employees hired after November 6, 1986 must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories. SBDCs help entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and help existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing global marketplace. SBDCs are hosted by leading universities and state economic development agencies, and funded in part through a partnership with SBA.
agency note: The SBDC assists new and existing businesses with financial, marketing and technical information at minimal or no charge. Consultants and volunteers provide technical guidance in business management practices.
The SBA renders assistance with special programs for women and minorities, financing for starting businesses, including developing business plans and providing information on other SBA programs.
agency note: The SBA renders assistance with special programs for women and minorities, financing for starting businesses, including developing business plans and providing information on other SBA programs.
Women's Business Centers (WBCs) represent a national network of nearly 100 educational centers throughout the United States and its territories, which are designed to assist women in starting and growing small businesses. WBCs seek to "level the playing field" for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world. SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) oversees the WBC network, which provides entrepreneurs (especially women who are economically or socially disadvantaged) comprehensive training and counseling on a variety of topics in several languages.