The following Business License Forms and Information are available online for your convenience in Adobe PDF format or call 510.215.3030 for more information:

• Business License Fee/Tax Schedule
• Business License Application Form
• Apartment Business License Application Form

If you're thinking of starting a business in San Pablo, or if you already own a business in our community, it's good to be aware of the resources available to you as well as the regulations of local, county, state and federal government agencies.

The new CalGOLD Web site, run by the California Environmental Protection Agency, represents an effort to simplify the business permit process. Using the HTML form below, you can instantly generate a listing of the various agencies you may need to contact in the process of starting and running a business in San Pablo. The list generated will be tailored to your specific type of business according to your selection in the scroll-box below.

The listings below represent some of the agencies and organizations frequently utilized by existing and new businesses. Please contact the agencies directly if you have questions. 

• Business License
The City of San Pablo Municipal Code requires all businesses to pay a business tax, but such payment does not authorize an applicant to do business in the City. All businesses must comply and continue to comply with all laws of the city, including but not limited to its zoning, building, planning, fire, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and subdivision regulations.

City of San Pablo	510.215.3030
Neighborhood Services
13831 San Pablo Avenue, Bldg. #3
San Pablo, California  94806

• Fictitious Business Name Statement
All business need to file a Fictitious Name Statement (also known as a "DBA" which is short for "Doing Business As") to ensure the name is suitable, that it's not already being used, and to legally disclose that the owner is doing business under another name (e.g., Joe Smith is starting a company called Acme Pizza).  To file a DBA, contact the Contra Costa County Clerk's office.

Contra Costa County Clerk's Office	925.646.2954
822 Main Street
Martinez, California  94553

• Sales & Use Permit / Seller's Permit
If you sell tangible goods/property in California, you must apply for a Seller's Permit through the State Board of Equalization.

California State Board of Equalization	800.400.7115
2101 Webster Street, #210
Oakland, California   94621

• Environmental Health Permit
A health permit is required for businesses that dispense food to the public. This permit is needed prior to opening or being issued a business license and is available through the County Health Department.

Contra Costa County Health Dept.	925.646.5225
2120 Diamond Blvd, #200
Concord, California  94529

• Fire Protection District
A fire inspection is often required at the business location. Please contact the County Fire District for more information.

Contra County County Fire District	925.930.5541
Devin Russell, Fire Inspector

• Alcoholic Beverage License
If you plan to sell alcoholic beverages from your business, apply for this license through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control	510.639.0628
7677 Oakport Street, #1020
Oakland, California  94621

• State Income Tax/Corporate Income Tax
Businesses in California are required to submit an annual tax statement to the Franchise Tax Board.

Franchise Tax Board	800.852.5711
1970 Broadway
Oakland, California  94612

• Federal Income Tax
For information regarding employee withholdings, self-employment tax, sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporate taxes, contact the Internal Revenue Service.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

800.829.1040

• Workers' Compensation
State legislation requires proof of valid current workers' comp certificate of insurance or self-insurance. This is not needed if you do not have any employees.

Dept. of Industrial Relations	510.286.1358
2229 Webster Street
Oakland, California  94621

• Employer Registration
If you hire employees, you must register with the State Employment Development Department within 15 days of employees' hire dates.

Employment Development Dept.	925.977.8265
3478 Buskirk Avenue, #215
Pleasant Hill, California 94523-4694

• Small Business Development

Private Industry Council	925.646.5377
2425 Bisso Lane, #200
Concord, California  94529

• Small Business Workshops (Free)

Internal Revenue Service - Small Business Corner	925.977.8265
1301 Clay Street, #1520 South Tower
Oakland, California  94621

• Unincorporated Areas

County Tax Collector's Office	925.646.4230
625 Court Street, Room 100
Martinez, California  94553

Contractors' State License Board	800.321.2752
San Pablo Planning Office	510.215.3030
San Pablo Building Office	510.215.3055