Consult, as necessary, with appropriate professionals (Attorney, Accountant/CPA, Banker, Insurance Agent, etc.).

Check with Insurance Agent regarding necessary insurance coverage (liability, auto, property, workers compensation, etc.).

Decide on an ownership structure (e.g. Corporation, Partnership, etc.) and have legal documents written and filed as necessary.

Zoning Laws, Land Use Ordinances, Building and Fire Codes

Check zoning regulations that might apply to your business activity and location with Planning Division at (209) 937-8266.

Verify the location selected for your business meets the current codes for the proposed use with Building Division at (209) 937-8561.

If your proposed use (activity) of a location in Stockton is different than the prior use (activity) of that location, contact the City of Stockton Community Development Department at (209) 937-8561 regarding code upgrades and what, if any, fees may be due.

Check Fire Permit requirements at (209) 937-8272.

Fictitious Business Name Statement

Check with the San Joaquin County Recorder's Office at (209) 468-3939 or
http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/recorder/ regarding the requirements to obtain a Fictitious Business Name Statement, if one is required.

Stockton Business License

Apply for a City of Stockton Business License at City Hall located at 425 N. El Dorado Street , (209) 937-8313. Application forms can be obtained at our website (click here for an application), at City Hall, or you may request that one be mailed to you (admin.services@ci.stockton.ca.us).

Home Business

Apply for a Home Occupation Permit at City of Stockton Permit Center located at 345 N. El Dorado Street, (209) 937-8266 (if your business is a home based business this permit is required in addition to your City of Stockton Business License).

Apply for the Following (if required)

State Employer Tax Identification Number at (209) 948-7278 or http://www.edd.ca.gov/

Federal Identification Tax Number at 1-800-829-1040 or http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html

Seller's Permit at 1-800-400-7115 or http://www.boe.ca.gov/

Obtain other necessary permits or licenses from county, state and federal governments.

Business Resources

San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at (209) 954-5089 or visit the website

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce at (209) 547-2770 or http://stocktonchamber.org/

San Joaquin Partnership at (209) 956-3380 or

http://www.sjpnet.org/