How to Start a Business in the City of Santa Clarita

A 5 Step Guide to the City's Requirements and Important Telephone Numbers.

Contact Santa Clarita City Hall and make sure the zoning is correct for your new business address.

• Every business must meet zoning requirements and restrictions to insure that its business category and site are compatible. Before signing any leases or moving in, check with the City's Planning Department.
• A few businesses that heavily impact their area require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Application for a CUP is typically a 5-month process in which environmental impacts are studied by Planning and are then subject to Planning Commission approval or denial.

File a fictitious name statement and file your "doing business as" name in a local newspaper.

• If you use your initials or first and middle name along with your last name in the name of your business, such as A.L. Jones Materials, or Albert L. Jones Materials, you do not need to file for a fictitious name. If you use just your initials, first name or last name such as ALJ Materials, Albert Materials, or Jones Materials, you need to file for a fictitious name. If you use Sons or Company, such as Al Jones and Company Materials, or Al Jones and Sons Materials, you must file for a fictitious name. If you use any other name other than your legal given name or initials, you must file a fictitious name.
• Prior to filing a fictitious name statement, it is recommended that you call the Los Angeles County Clerk's Office and determine if in fact your business name is already in use.
• To file a fictitious name statement, you must contact the local newspaper. The paper will file your DBA statement with the Los Angeles County Clerk's office and publish your new business name.

Obtain a State Board of Equalization resale permit, if required. Contact the State of California to file proper State Tax forms and obtain labor standards for employees.

• Many businesses are required to obtain a permit from the State Board of Equalization for "selling or acquiring any tangible items for repair or use in their business." You must have a resale permit if your business is commercial home-based, sales, or repair oriented. As a note - whatever parts or supplies are purchased at wholesale for later resale, you must have a resale permit.
• If your business will have employees other than yourself, contact the Employment Development Department for information on state withholding taxes, disability and unemployment insurance.
• For businesses employing only the owners, contact the Franchise Tax Board for state withholding and corporation state taxes.

• Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for your employer identification number. The IRS will also provide a "business person's kit," seminars for new businesses, additional information and required forms.
• Contact the Small Business Administration which provides financial and management training to assist you in your business operations.

Business License:

The County of Los Angeles is under contract with the City of Santa Clarita to provide business license and peddler/ solicitor permit services. Therefore, until otherwise notified, all applications for business licenses and peddler/ solicitor permits are handled by the Los Angeles County Treasurer Tax Collector's business license division. The business license office is located at 23757 W. Valencia Blvd., within the County Civic Center. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed for lunch between 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

1. If you have followed the first four steps, you should be able to supply the County with the following information for a business license:
• Business address approved by the City's Planning Department.
• Fictitious name and any County or State permits.
• State resale permit number from the State Board of Equalization, if required.
2. Depending on the type of business you plan to conduct, you may be required to have:
• Health Permit
• Fire Inspection
• Alcoholic Beverage Permit
• Contractor's License
• All necessary Building Permits
3. When filing for a license, you will need the following information to complete the application process:
• Your business name and address
• Your business telephone number
• Description of your business
• The number of employees on staff
• The property owner's name and the telephone number of the person to contact in case of an emergency
• The name, address, and telephone numbers of any contractors who will be involved in the operation of your business (i.e., gardeners, janitorial service, consultants, etc.)
• Your social security number
• Your Federal I.D. number
• Your State employee I.D. number
• Your Driver's License number

Important Telephone Numbers

This information is provided as a public service to assist persons interested in establishing and conducting a business in the City of Santa Clarita. It is not warranted to be all inclusive. Any errors or omissions herein will not relieve the business owner of his/her responsibility, obligation or liability in fulfilling all legal requirements.

Prepared by the City of Santa Clarita, Administrative Services Department, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 295, Santa Clarita, CA. 91355.