- Choosing Petaluma
- Opening a Business
- Finding the Ideal Site!
- Resources
- Permitting Assistance
Opening a Business in Petaluma
Starting or moving a business requires many steps. Here is a checklist of the things you need to think about before starting your business.
Business Checklist
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Starting a business requires many stepts. Here is a checklist of the things you need to think about before starting your business.
Prepare a business plan |
Small Business Development Ctr. www.santarosasbdc.org Small Business Administration |
Find a location |
Click to access Location page. |
| Verify zoning Before you sign a lease or a purchase contract, make sure the property's zoning will allow your proposed business operation. Sometimes, the use is allowed with a special permit called a "Conditional Use Permit." In that case, it could take 6-8 weeks to for an approval. It is important to be aware that if the business changes ownership or use, you may need to upgrade or change your space. |
City of Petaluma Planning Dept. |
| Determine your structure If you are establishing a corporation, you will need to file your incorporation documents and request name availability through the State of California. |
California Secretary of State 916.657.5448 WWW.SOS.CA.GOV |
Get business financing http://www.sba.gov/content/how-apply-sba-loan
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Small Business Development Ctr. www.santarosasbdc.org 707.524.1770 |
| Request a Petaluma business license To operate a business in Petaluma, you are required a business license issued by the City of Petaluma. The fee for the license depends on the size and type of business. Business operating in a residential location and business located outside of Petaluma and doing business in Petaluma City of Petaluma Finance 707.778.4352 are required to secure a business license in Petaluma. |
City of Petaluma Finance |
| Obtain required required permits and licenses | |
Check Permits Made Simple at CALGOLD for other requirements. |
www.calgold.ca.gov |
| Register a Fictitious Business Name - If you create a business with a name other than your own, you are required to register the Fictitious Business Name with the Sonoma County Clerk's Office | Sonoma County Clerk's Office 707.565.3800 |
| Building Permit is required for construction, additions or remodels of any to ensure safety, | City of Petaluma Building Department 707.778.4557 |
| Sales Tax / Resale Permit. required for businesses selling products | State Board of Equalization 707.576.2100 www.boe.ca.gov |
| Federal Tax ID # - required for all businesses, Internal Revenue Services, 800.829.4933, www.irs.gov | Internal Revenue Service 800.820.4933, www.irs.gov |
| State Tax ID # required for all businesses | Employment Development Department 800.745-3886 www.edd.ca.gov |
| Sign Permit . to receive approval for a business sign | Petaluma Planning Dept. 707.778.4470 |
| Health Inspections - for restaurants and food vendors | Sonoma County Environmental 707.565.6565 |
| Alcohol Beverage License for restaurants and bars serving alcohol or tasting rooms, | Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 707.576.2165, www.abc.ca.gov |
| CA Department of Consumer Affairs License . for professional business such as accountants, engineers, doctors and dentists, | CA Dept. of Consumer Affairs www.dca.ca.gov |
| Import / Export Permit . importing or exporting products outside of the US, | US Customs 415.782.9210 |
| Utility Agency Permits Some businesses may need special permission from other regional resource agencies and / or utility companies including the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Sonoma County Water Agency, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, AT&T, Comcast and PG&E. Contact Petaluma's Planning Department to find out if you will need any additional approvals from these agencies. |
City of Petaluma Planning Dept.
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| Request services and utilities Water and Sewer / Wastewater Waste Disposal PG&E |
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| Consider joining a business association Local business associations are a good way to meet other business owners and to learn more about doing business in Petaluma. Business associations often schedule events to provide special training for businesses. |
Chamber of Commerce www.petalumachamber.com 707.762.2785 Petaluma Downtown Association www.petalumadowntown.com 707.762.9348 |
Get Business Development Updates
| For business assistance, contact: Ingrid Alverde, Economic Development Manager ialverde @ ci.petaluma.ca.us, 707-778-4549
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