Every business must meet zoning and building requirements to ensure that its business category and site are compatible before signing any leases and moving in.

Check with County Zoning / Planning Department to make sure you locate your business at an address where it is allowed and that it does not heavily impact the neighborhood or require special parking consideration.

If your business name is anything other than your surname or has more than one owner, like a partnership, association, or company, you may need to file a fictitious business name with the County Clerk's Office, (925) 335-7900. You should do this before you apply for the Business License. If you should accidentally "infringe" upon another business, you may face legal action and will have to pay for the refiling of your Business License.