- 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
Detailed, Printer Friendly Version
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 SCORE |
Find a location |
Click to access Location page. Look for Available Real Estate here: |
| 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. Talk to an experienced banker to learn about the many options for financing a start-up or business expansion. After interviewing and choosing the banker that best meets your needs, be sure to discuss small business financing, equipment leasing, and equity capital options. Petaluma’s Area Chamber of Commerce has a list of local banks you can start with. |
Small Business Development Ctr. www.santarosasbdc.org Download the new California Guide to business financing: www.rurdev.usda.gov/Reports/CA-CalFOR.pdf SAFE-BIDCO is a State loan program that provides business financing: 707-577-8621 |
| 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 |
| File Articles of Incorporation or to Register a Limited Partnership | California Secretary of State 916-657-5448 |
| Building Permit are 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 |
| In Home Day Care | Community Care Department of Social Services 415-588-5026 |
| Contractor's License | California Contractors State Licensing Board 800-321-2752 |
| 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. Contact Petaluma's Planning Department to find out if you will need any additional approvals from these agencies. |
City of Petaluma Planning Dept. Water, Waste Water Steve Simmons, Utility Manager 707-778-4560 Waste Disposal - The Ratto Group unicycler.com/commercial/sonoma/petaluma 707-766-6026 Pacific Gas and Electric Joe Horak - jphp@pge.com 707-577-7130 |
| Local Transportation | www.511.org |
| 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 Better Business Bureau (BBB) 510-239-1000 |
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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