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City of Salinas

Business License - Occupation

Before signing a lease or buying a property

Contact the Current Planning Division of the Community Development Department to help identify if the business is allowed in the zoning district at (831) 758-7206 or go to the Permit Center - 65 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901

STEP 1: Business License

Is the type of business allowed in the zoning code district?

YES

Will your business be involved in direct sales of merchandise?

YES

NO

NO

UNSURE

Contact the Community Development Department to help identify another site or correct zoning issues at 831-758-7206

Apply for a City Business License (Occupation) and pass the background check.

Apply for and

obtain the following:

1. California Tax Number

2. California Sellers Permit

THEN

Apply for a City Business License (Occupation) and pass the background check.

STEP 2: Application Review

Planning Department Review

Fire Department Review

Fire Department Inspection (1)

Check list of safety requirements before opening business doors.

Building Department Review

Health Department Review

Fire Department Inspection (2)

Food establishments, daycare and other health or food related business.

Fire Department Inspection (3)

Authorizing space for business operations, meeting building code and issuing certificate of occupancy.

STEP 3: Pass Review and Inspection

Passed the review and inspection?

YES

NO

A specific department will contact you to correct the issues.

Obtain receipt for Business License. This allows you to open for business.

Receive Business License in the mail.

Congratulations, you are in business!

(Assuming State and Federal requirements are met)