Starting a business is a difficult decision at best. While there is no single source that outlines all required procedures, the following information has been developed to assist you in starting your business. Many of these aspects can be researched and accomplished by visiting the websites listed.
The following information and links to various resources are provided for your convenience only. Please note that there may be omissions or additional requirements not represented here, which does not exempt any individual or institution from complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
· Create a business plan
· Determine Business Structure
· Location of your Business
· Check Zoning & Building regulations
· City of Santa Barbara Business License Tax Certificate
· Additional Tax Information
Create a Business Plan
A business plan is like a roadmap; it shows you where you are in relation to where you want to be. Whether you believe in a business plan or not, starting a business involves many ideas that need to be documented with actions taken. Many businesses fail without a business plan, and furthermore, banks require one prior to considering your loan application.
The following organizations can provide you with business plan consultations, workshops and referrals:
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
402 E. Gutierrez Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 563-0084
http://www.score.org/ 
Women’s Economic Ventures (Small Business)
333 S. Salinas Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 965-6073
http://www.wevonline.org/secure-your-success/consulting
Santa Barbara City College - Business Development Center
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 964-6853 ext. 346
http://www.sbcc.edu/ 
U.S. Small Business Administration Information Center
330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 1200
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 552-3210
Determine a Business Name
The name you choose for your business is important. Aside from making sure that the name clearly describes your business, you need to ensure that the name is not already being used. If the name you choose is anything other than your own legal name, you are required to file a fictitious business name statement. The statement is filed with the County of Santa Barbara Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
· County of Santa Barbara
County Clerk and Recorder’s Office
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-2250
http://www.sb-democracy.com/clerkrecorder.aspx?page=fictitiousbus.htm&dir=true 
Determine the Business Legal Structure
Several legal structures exist; your choice of legal structure will affect your income taxes and personal liability. Most businesses start as a Sole Proprietorship or a Partnership and are legally the least complicated. Corporations and Limited Liability Companies must register with the Secretary of State. Contact your accountant or attorney for advice and assistance in determining the best legal structure for you and your business.
· California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-6814
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/business.htm 
Location of your Business
If your address is located within the City of Santa Barbara limits, you are required to obtain a business license. If you are conducting business within the city limits, you are required to obtain a business license. All other outlying areas fall under County of Santa Barbara, unless that city is incorporated: Goleta, Carpinteria, Lompoc and Solvang.
Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Assessment
This assessment is related to businesses located within the 53 square-block of lower State St. (PBIA), it is subject to a QUARTERLY assessment. Amount to be paid is based on the type of business and parking related criteria. The assessment pays for a portion of the 75 minute free parking surrounding the business location.
· 
Municipal Code 4.37 (PDF 418KB)
· 
PBIA Info Sheet (PDF 61KB)
Downtown Organization administers the Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) Assessment
The assessment fee goes towards promoting the downtown area. Downtown BID and Old Town BID assessments are in addition to the business license tax requirement. This fee is paid annually, in the beginning of each calendar year. If your business is located in one of these districts, it is subject to an annual fee, as outline in Title 4 of the Municipal Code 4.39 DT and 4.43 OT (see page 27). You will receive a separate invoice. Amount to be paid is base on the business tax paid.
· http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/about.asp 
Downtown BID
The area bounded by Anacapa, Chapala, Micheltorena and Ortega Streets, and include businesses fronting on each street within or bounding the area, except businesses located south of the center line of Ortega Street.
Old Town BID.
The area bounded by Anacapa, Chapala, Gutierrez and Ortega Streets and businesses fronting on each street within or bounding the area, except businesses located north of the centerline Ortega Street.
Check Zoning and Building Regulations
Determining zoning requirements prior to signing a lease or contract is imperative. Check with the City to see if the type of business you plan to operate is legal in the desired location.
· Community Development & Public Works
630 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 564-5455 or 564-5485
Sign Permit Information (805) 564-5578
Building & Zoning Complaints Hotline
Community Development (805) 897-2676
Security Alarm Registration Application
Everyone with a security alarm, both business and residential, are required to be registered with the Santa Barbara Police Department (Municipal Code 9.100). It is the responsibility of the alarm user to register the alarm in a timely manner.
Remit application form with $40. payment to: Santa Barbara Police Dept.-Alarms PO Box 539 Santa Barbara CA 93102
Questions: permits@sbpd.com
· Security Alarm Form
Registrations must be renewed annually. A reminder notice will be sent to registered users within 30 days of expiration.
Registered alarm users will not be billed for the first two false alarms that occur within their 12-month registration period. Unregistered alarm users will incur charges with the first false alarm and all subsequent alarms.
Obtain Important Permits and Licenses
The business type chosen determines the licenses and permits needed to legally operate your business. For City of Santa Barbara Permits and Licenses see the Miscellaneous Permits
for forms and information.
For a list of regulated occupations and professional services, contact:
· California Department of Consumer Affairs
400 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 952-5210
The State also operates CalGOLD, a website that provides detailed information on required permits, licenses and regulations. The information provided is specific to your type of business and its location in California.
· http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ 
Get a City Business License Tax Certificate
To conduct business in Santa Barbara, you must obtain a business license and pay an annual business tax. A City business license is required prior to conducting any business activity in the City, even if your business is located outside the City’s corporate limits.
For more information and to obtain a business license tax application, use this link:
· Business License Tax Application
or contact:
· City of Santa Barbara Business Tax Office
735 Anacapa Street
P.O. Box 1990
Santa Barbara, CA 93102
(805) 564-5346 or (805)897-1978 Fax
Get Additional Tax Information
Several types of taxes may be levied on businesses besides the city business tax. They include income tax, employment tax and the County Unsecured Property tax.
For County Unsecured Property Tax for your business property contact:
· County of Santa Barbara Tax Collector
105 E. Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-2933
http://www.countyofsb.org/ttcpapg/ 
For state taxes, contact:
· Franchise Tax Board
Ventura Field Office
4820 McGrath St., Suite 270
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 852-5711 or (800) 338-0505
http://www.ftb.ca.gov/ 
For a copy of “Striking Gold in California”, which outlines state taxes for businesses, contact: http://www.taxes.ca.gov/striking.pdf
· State Board of Equalization
Ventura Field Office
4820 McGrath St., Suite 270
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 677-2700
http://www.boe.ca.gov/ 
For federal tax information and a copy of the “Small Business Resource Guide,” a document that helps business owners understand the basics, contact:
· Internal Revenue Service
District Business Office – Camarillo
751 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 445-4771
http://www.irs.gov/ 
Acquire Employer Identification Numbers and Worker’s Compensation Insurance
If you will have employees, you must acquire employer identification numbers and Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
For an employer identification tax number and federal tax withholding information, contact:
· Internal Revenue Service
District Business Office – Santa Barbara
1332 Anacapa St., #101
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(800) 829-1040 or (800) 829-3676 or (805) 564-7555
http://www.irs.gov/ 
For an employer identification tax number and state tax withholding information, contact:
· State of California Employment Development Department
District Business Office
4820 McGrath Street, Suite 250
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 300-5616
http://www.edd.ca.gov/ 
All employers are also required to carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance. It covers your employee(s) for work-related injuries. To obtain an insurance policy or for more information, contact:
· State Compensation Insurance Fund
Oxnard District Office
2901 North Ventura Road
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 988-5300
