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BUSINESS PLANNING MADE EASY

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Step 2. Structure Your Business

It is important to determine the structure of your business for operating and business reporting purposes. Will you operate your business as a sole proprietor, partnership (two or more owners), or corporation (one or more stockholders/officers)?
If you are a sole proprietor, no formation documents are required to be filed with the California Secretary of State. It is optional for partnerships to file with the State.
If you are starting a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC), or a limited partnership (LP), you must contact the California Secretary of State’s Office. They can supply you with all the information and forms you need. Visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information.

Step 1. Develop a Business Plan

A business plan is the first step to starting a successful business. This plan will help you evaluate your idea, estimate costs, and determine the strengths and weaknesses of your proposal. A business plan may also serve as a tool to help raise money and is usually required to apply for a loan.

To assist in developing your business plan, there are local and regional organizations that provide assistance free of charge, including:

Step 3. Location. Location. Location.

Before finalizing a lease or purchase agreement for a property, it's essential to verify the site's zoning in the City of Fort Bragg. Not all locations are appropriate or permitted for specific business activities. City zoning regulations are in place to safeguard and your neighbors from incompatible uses; for instance, a childcare center may not be suitable next to a chemical manufacturing facility. These zoning restrictions help prevent such risks. You can also reach out to the City’s Duty Planner at (707) 961-2823 to confirm if your business is allowed at the proposed site and if any special approvals are required. To explore commercial properties available for lease or sale, visit the free Rofo website (note that the City does not guarantee the accuracy of the information). If you need further assistance, our Economic Development team is ready to help. Contact them at (707) 961-2823 or via email.

Step 4. Register a Fictitious Name

If you plan to register your business under a name that differs from your legal name, such as a "doing business as" (DBA) name, you must register this business name with The City of Fort. This registration must be completed prior to obtaining a business license from the City of Fort Bragg. Additionally, you are required to publish public notices announcing your new business name in the Fort Bragg Advocate for four weeks to finalize the registration process. For public notices, please reach out to the Fort Bragg Advocate.

Step 5. Tax Reporting

All businesses are required to file both state and federal tax returns. Visit the State Franchise Tax Board website and the federal Internal Revenue Service website to learn more about specific requirements.

Will you sell a product? The California Board of Equalization (BOE) can assist you in determining whether you need a Seller’s Permit. You may also be required to collect sales tax. To do so, the Board of Equalization will need to issue you a resale number in order to report sales tax. 

Whether self-employed or an employer with one or more employees, you must pay Social Security taxes. Learn more.

Step 6. Apply for a Fort Bragg Business License

All individuals, partnerships, corporations, and sole proprietors operating in the City of Fort Bragg must obtain a business license. This requirement extends to subcontractors, commercial and residential landlords, and home-based businesses. Securing a business license does not permit operation unless the business complies with all federal, state, and local regulations. Business license or permit fees are either a flat rate or based on your business's gross receipts, whichever is lower. Businesses based outside of Fort Bragg but conducting business within the city (including vendors, consultants, and contractors) must apply for and pay for a Fort Bragg business license. Contractors' fees are determined by the type of license registered with CSLB and the business's location, not the job site. All home-based businesses must apply for both a business license and a Home Occupation Permit, with the Home Occupation Permit fee set at $100. Some businesses may qualify for a business tax exemption. To determine your organization's eligibility or for assistance with the required forms, please reach out for help.

Step 7. Other Fort Bragg Permits

Your business may require permits and/or site inspections by city departments as part of your application approval. This depends on your business type and/or if you are making improvements to a building.

Building Permits
Building Permits are how the City of Fort Bragg ensures construction is safe for occupancy and use. This permit is required for all new construction. Your business must be located in a building constructed appropriately for your use. A permit is also required for most modifications, replacement construction, additions, or remodeling. Any changes to a building must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Building permit applications can be obtained from the City’s Permit Center.

Sign Permits
For businesses that want to display a sign that is visible from outside a building, a sign permit is required. Permits are required for both permanent and temporary signs. A permit application can be obtained from the Community Development Department.

Other Permits
Other business activities that require a permit include distributing advertising material, selling goods from a non-stationary site, or operating a food truck or a taxi. Permit applications for these types of activities can be obtained from the Business License Division. 

For individuals who wish to open a massage establishment and/or apply for a massage technician permit, please follow the instructions provided by the Police Department. 

Step 8. Other Agency Permits and Licenses

Depending on the type of business, you may be required to obtain permits or licenses from the various county, state, or federal agencies. Please contact these individual agencies directly if applicable.

  • Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License: No person may directly or indirectly — on any pretense — sell, barter, charge for possession, or otherwise dispose of alcoholic beverages as part of a commercial transaction without having obtained the proper license or permit. 

  • California Department of Consumer Affairs License: Many professional businesses such as accountants, engineers, doctors, and dentists require a State license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Businesses such as barbers, cosmetologist, security services, and auto repair shops are also required to obtain a State license. Visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs website to find out if you must register your business.

  • Child Care Center or Family Child Care Home License: Licensing of all child care centers and family child care homes in California is required. A license can be obtained through the California Department of Social Services. 

  • Contractor’s License Construction: This is one of the largest industries in California’s diverse economy. The Contractors Stat e License Board (CSLB) receives and processes applications for new licenses, additional classifications, changes of license records, and license renewals. An Application for Original Contractor’s License can be obtained from any CSLB office, by telephone, or online. All subcontractors must also register for a City business tax account. Failure to register may result in your permit being placed on hold.

  • Import/Export Permit: If your business will involve the import or export of products with other countries, you may need to obtain an Import/ Export Permit from the US Customs Service. 

  • Restaurants, Mobile Food Vendors, Cottage Food Operators, and Tattoo Parlors – Health permits and inspections are required for restaurants, mobile food vendors, cottage food operators, as well as tattoo parlors. Contact the Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department to arrange for an inspection, or to request information and advice regarding health and environmental safety issues. 

  • Sanitary Sewer Service: Any construction work or improvements by new or existing commercial tenants or new commercial building requires sanitary sewer service review by:   

  • Retail and Wholesale Business Permits – If your business will involve sales, you will need to obtain a Seller’s Permit from the State Board of Equalization. 

  • Other Permits and Licenses – To determine what other regional, State, and federal permits and licenses your business may need, contact the State’s “CalGOLD Business Permits Made Simple.” 

Step 9. Will You Have Employees?

If you hire employees, be sure to register with the California Employment Development Department. They will provide you with the necessary forms and answer any questions you may have regarding your responsibilities. As an employer, the State requires you to do the following:

  • withhold state income tax 

  • withhold state disability insurance

  • pay unemployment tax 

  • pay for any employment training costs

If you have employees, you are required to be located in a commercial location.

You must also register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to receive an Employer Identification Number. The IRS offers many services to new business owners and will provide a package of helpful information explaining the types of forms used and due dates for these forms.

As an employer, you are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You may obtain this insurance through your own insurance agent or the State Fund of California. The State Fund is a non-profit, public enterprise fund that operates like a mutual insurance carrier.

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