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 Business Services
Business Resource and Assistance
The
contact information below is
provided to assist those
with an
existing business or those wishing to start a
business within the City of Sonora. However, the
information may not be comprehensive depending on the
type of business to be conducted.
Therefore,
interested persons are advised to consult with an
attorney to insure all requirements are met for their
particular type of business.
LOCAL
INFORMATION:
Business License
The City
of Sonora requires all businesses doing business within
the City Limits to obtain a Business License.
City
Administration
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)532-4541
Microenterprise
Assistance Program
The City of Sonora has established a
Microenterprise Assistance Program. The Program
is targeted for small businesses and is designed
to stimulate growth and create new private
enterprise jobs that will improve the economic
conditions of residents in the community. The
Program provides technical assistance and Micro
Loans to eligible persons starting a business or
expanding an existing business within the City
of Sonora.
Click here for brochure
Click here for guidelines
Click here for application
Occupancy Permit
For all
new businesses located within the City Limits, as part
of the Business License Application, the City of Sonora
requires an approved "Occupancy Permit" and inspection.
The purpose of this permit is to assure that basic
minimum building and fire safety standards are met.
Contact: Building and
Planning Department
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)532-3508
Home Occupation Permit
Some
businesses which have few or no impacts may be allowed
to be operated out of an existing residence. Such
businesses must obtain a Home Occupation Permit.
94 N.
Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)532-3508
Sign Permit
Sign
Permits and Design Review are required for most signs
within the City Limits.
Building
and Planning
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)532-3508
Planning and Zoning/New Construction/Use Permit
Before
selecting a particular location zoning requirements
should be reviewed for the proposed business type. If
there will be new construction or additions/renovations
to an existing building, plans will have to be reviewed
and required permits obtained. Some commercial
businesses must also obtain a Use Permit to operate in
the City of Sonora.
Contact:
Community Development Department
94 N.
Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)532-3508
Health Permit
If the
business will involve the handling of foods, you must
consult the Environmental Health Office and obtain a
permit.
Tuolumne
County Environmental Health Department
(Division of Tuolumne County Public Health)
2 South Green Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-6440
Fictitious Business Name Statement
Every
person who regularly transacts business in the State of
California for profit under a fictitious business name
must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement. The form
is filed with the County Clerk of the County of the
principal place of business.
Tuolumne
County Clerk
2 South Green Street
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-5573
STATE
INFORMATION:
Seller’s Permit/Resale Number
Every
business that will sell or lease tangible personal
property (merchandise) to customers must obtain a
seller’s permit from the State Board of Equalization.
Making taxable sales without a valid permit is a
misdemeanor under California’s Sales and Use Tax Law and
is subject to fines and penalties.
State
Taxes – Withholding
Employers must register with the State Employment
Development Department.
Fair
Employment
Employers are required to provide information to
employees regarding employment rights and to display
certain posters where employees may readily see them.
Workers Compensation
Under
California Law Worker’s Compensation Insurance is
mandatory for all employers. Contact the State
Compensation Fund regarding the requirements of Workers
Compensation Insurance.
Alcoholic Beverage Control
If the
business will sell alcoholic beverages, you must contact
the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Contractor’s State License Board
If the
business is in the construction industry, contact the
State Contractor’s License Board to determine what
special permits/license may be required.
State
Licenses
The
State of California imposes license requirements and
fees on more than 100 businesses and professions. The
Department of Consumer Affairs grants most licenses.
Business Filing
If
forming a corporation, a limited liability company, or a
partnership, you must file with the California Secretary
of State.
CAL-OSHA
If the
business will have employees, there are laws that govern
safety standards designed to prevent injuries arising
out of unsafe or unhealthy working conditions.
NATIONAL INFORMATION:
Internal Revenue Service
Businesses will be required to file various tax forms
(income, self-employment, property, sales and use,
payroll, excise, etc…) using a tax identification
number, social security number for sole proprietors or
an Employer Identification Number for businesses with
employees.
www.irs.gov
RESOURCES:
Local -
Tuolumne
County Economic Development Authority
www.tceda.net
Tuolumne
County Chamber of Commerce
www.tcchamber.com
S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corp of Retired Executives) Business
Counseling
www.tcscore.org
State –
United
States Small Business Administration (Sacramento
District)
www.sba.gov/ca/sacr
National
-
Rachelle
Kellogg,
Community Development Director
City of Sonora
94 Washington Street
Sonora, CA, 95370
Phone: (209) 532-3508
Fax: (209) 532-3511
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