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PLANNING A NEW BUSINESS? |
| You might need more than a Business Tax Certificate | Yes, a Business Tax Certificate is a requirement for doing business in Grover Beach.
But no, it's not the only requirement. By itself, it doesn't make your business legal. You must also secure any permits that are required by the City, and meet zoning requirements. We don't want you to assume a Business Tax Certificate is all you need, set up shop, and then have to close down because other step were missed in the process. So before you make any significant business commitments, sign a lease, purchase inventory or take out an ad in the Yellow Pages, check with the City's Community Development Department. You may find that a permit is needed for your business, that special requirements exist, or that your business is illegal at the location you have in mind. |
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| Making any changes? | No matter what your business is, even if all you are doing is changing ownership, location, or the business name, you should talk to City Staff in the Community Development Department. If you have a change of ownership, please contact the Administrative Services Department, complete the appropriate forms, and pay a transfer fee.
City Staff is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Community Development public counter, or you may call (805) 473-4520 until 5:00 p.m. They can tell you if any additional requirements need to be met. |
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| Getting your Business Tax Certificate | After visiting the Community Development Department, the next step is to fill out the Business Tax Certificate Application form, which may be obtained from the Administrative Services Department.
Your Business Tax Certificate fee will be paid when you submit your application in person at the Administrative Services Department or, if it is necessary, you may mail us the completed application. After the Fire Department inspects and approves your business, you should receive your Business Tax Certificate in about two weeks. If, after turning in your Business Tax Certificate Application, you decide not to operate your business, please let us know. Remember, Business Tax Certificates are renewed annually, so be sure to renew at the end of each calendar year. |
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| Zoning | City Zoning Regulations tell you where your business may be located.
Some types of businesses are not allowed in certain zones, or are allowed only with special City approval in the form of a "Use Permit or "Administrative Use Permit". You might also have to meet parking or lot-size requirements. To run a business out of your home, you will need a "Home Occupation Permit". | |
| Permits for Building/ Remodeling |
If you plan any remodeling, you might need a Building Permit. If you need one, get it before you do any construction. You can be fined for building or remodeling something without a permit. If you plan to remodel the outside of your building, you might also need "Architectural Approval" by the Planning Commission. | |
| Sign Permits | Most new businesses will need new signs, and new signs require a "Sign Permit". The City's Sign Regulations (available in the Community Development Department) specify the requirements for obtaining the appropriate Sign Permits. | |
| Home Occupation Permits | You will need to apply for a "Home Occupation Permit" from the Community Development Department if your home in a residential zone is the base of operation for your business - serving as a mailing address, office, shop, or related use - even if you do work in other locations. The property owner must sign the permit application, consenting to your home occupation. No clients are allowed to come to your home. | |
| Health Permits | Businesses that sell food or beverages directly to the public must obtain a "Health Permit" from the San Luis Obispo County Health Department. Call (805) 781-5544 for information. Health Department clearance is required before you submit a building permit application. | |
| An Important Note on Leaflets or "Flyers" | If you plan to distribute leaflets to advertise your business, you should know it's against the law to post notices, hand-bills or leaflets on any public property. That includes utility poles, traffic-sign posts, light poles, parking meters, and street side trees, among other things. It is also illegal to put leaflets in mailboxes and in or on cars - such as under windshield wipers or in door handles. | |
| Fire Prevention Checklist | When you apply for a Business Tax Certificate you will also need to complete a Fire-Safety Self-Inspection Checklist (attached to the Business Tax Certificate Application). The Fire Department will conduct an on-site inspection of your business to ensure that it complies with the fire and safety codes. A fee will be charged for this inspection. On-site inspections can only be accomplished with the business owner, equipment and supplies in place. We encourage you to attempt to comply with the requirements of the codes prior to scheduling an inspection.
Here are some things the Fire Department will be looking for on the fire inspection: 1. All exits must be accessible and free from obstruction. 2. A currently serviced 5lb. ABC fire extinguisher must be mounted on a wall, post or column, 40" from the floor to the center of the gauge, within 10 feet of the main entry door. This extinguisher must be in public view and access. 3. Install street and unit numbers. They must be posted and be a minimum of 6 inches tall with one inch stroke numbers. 4. No extension cords may be used anywhere in the facility for ongoing purposes. 5. If your facility is equipped with a keybox system, you need to provide a key to the Fire Department. The Fire-Safety Self Inspection Checklist is available at the Community Development Department public counter. It is important that the check-list is completed before it is submitted to ensure that your business meets all the requirements. | |
| To Learn More | For specific information on the zoning and sign laws, call or visit:
Remember to check with the Community Development Department before you apply for your Business Tax Certificate, pay the first month's rent or make other commitments. We want your business to be successful. Checking with the City first could save you time, trouble, and expense! | |