The Permit Center is located at 65 W. Alisal. Before signing a lease or buying a property to operate your business, contact the Community Development Department, Current Planning Division, to make sure that the property is zoned for your type of business.
Steps Towards a City of Salinas Business License
Depending on what kind of business and how you want to operate your business, you may need to contact one or more of the following agencies:
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS issues tax identification numbers and Employer Identification numbers. Check with your banking institution or accountant to determine what type of identification number you may need.
If you are a Sole Proprietor, you may not need a separate number apart from your personal social security number.
State of California
There are eight primary departments that you may need to contact at the state level:
County of Monterey
The County of Monterey requires a Fictitious Business License if your business is any other name than your own.
The County Health Department should be contacted for anything relating to the Food Industry.
A County Building Permit may be required for any new/remodel construction depending on where your business is located.
City of Salinas
The City of Salinas requires a business license if you are planning to do business within the city of Salinas.
For questions concerning the City of Salinas Business License fee, please call the City's Finance Department at (831) 758-7211 or click here for more information.
Business Checklist
Retail
Remodel
Electrical
Signage
Plumbing
Americans with Disability Act
Automotive
Zoning
Drainage
Electrical
Signage
Industrial Waste Disposal
Plumbing
Vehicle Storage
Allocated Parking Space
