Fullerton, CA
Home MenuStarting a Business
There can be numerous steps to starting a business. If you are planning a home business, you can contact the Business Registration Division at (714) 738-6531 or (714) 738-5326 to determine if your activity is allowed in the home. Please review the Home Occupation Requirements before contacting the City.
If your business will be conducted in a commercial or industrial location you may need to contact one or more of the agencies listed below. Before signing a lease we recommend you contact the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6559 or (714) 738-6550 to determine if your site is zoned for the purpose of your business.
For assistance in locating someone doing business in the City, contact the Business Registration office. In order to register a business or make a change to your business name, ownership, address or activity, a Business Registration application form is required to register or amend your account. You may call the Business Registration Division, apply in person or use our download area to obtain the form. Please contact the Business Registration office for applicable fees. The Fullerton Municipal Code requires that any person conducting, managing, carrying on or engaging in any business, trade, profession, or occupation in the City of Fullerton, obtain a business registration certificate from the City.
State Licenses
State Department of Consumer Affairs - Many occupations, such as physician, attorney, construction contractor, etc., require a State license. You may be required to show proof of this license before a City registration certificate is issued. If you are in doubt about State licensing requirements for your business, you should contact the State Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210 or visit their website.
Filing a Fictitious Name Statement
Orange County Clerk/Recorder - A fictitious name or DBA (Doing Business As) is the name a business uses other than the owner's name, or in the case of a corporation one that is different from that registered in the articles of incorporation. If you are using a fictitious name the California Business & Professions Code requires that you file a fictitious name statement. It is also important to do this to enable the consumer to know who he/she is doing business with. Filing will entitle you to initiate suits for the protection of the name. Most banks require you have proof of filing to open a business account using the fictitious name. A DBA must be filed with the Orange County Clerk/Recorder, followed with an advertisement in an Orange County newspaper that files public notices. For more information contact the Orange County Clerk/Recorder at (714) 834-2500 or visit their website. The Orange County Clerk/Recorder North County branch office is located in the Wells Fargo building in Anaheim at 222 S. Harbor Blvd., #110. Hours are 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., M-F. Applications must be completed online prior to visiting the office.
Resale Number
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (formerly State Board of Equalization) - If your business involves the sale of tangible personal property either retail or wholesale, you are required to obtain a seller's permit from the State Board of Equalization (SBOE). As a seller, you must remit sales tax (collected from the consumer at the (time of sale) to the SBOE. The SBOE will advise you of the time and manner in which taxes are to be reported and paid. Failure to register for a seller's permit and pay taxes in the manner prescribed may result in a fine or other penalty. For more information contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration at (800) 400-7115 or visit their at their website.
Federal and State Employer Requirements
Internal Revenue Service - All businesses that have employees are required to obtain a federal employer identification number (FEIN) from the U. S. Internal Revenue Service. This is required for the purposes of withholding and payment of employee taxes. For more information contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-4933 for businesses or (800) 829-1040 for individuals or visit their website.
Employment Development Department - As an employer, you may also be required to file with the State of California Employer Development Department. This is for the purpose of withholding employee tax, as well as for meeting unemployment insurance requirements. For more information contact the Employment Development Department at (888) 745-3886 or (916) 653-0707 or visit their website.
Alcoholic Beverage License
State Alcoholic Beverage - If your business is going to sell any type of alcoholic beverages you must first obtain an Alcoholic Business License from the State Alcoholic Beverage Control. For more information call (657) 205-3533 or visit their website.
Alarm System Permit
Alarm User's Permit - If you have an alarm in your home or business, you are required to have a valid Alarm User's Permit. Contact the Fullerton Alarm Permit Representative in the Administrative Services Department at (714) 738-6529.
Fire Inspection Fee
New businesses, at commercial locations, will be inspected by a Fire Inspector. For more information about Fire Inspections contact the Fullerton Fire Prevention Bureau at (714) 738-6500.
Building Permits, Signs and Banners
If you will be remodeling the structure you plan to occupy, building permits may be required for the work. A permit is required for Signs and Banners. For further information contact the Development Services Department at (714) 738-6541.
Home Occupation Requirements
Fullerton Municipal Code Section 15.17.030(M) - regulates businesses based out of the home. Included within these regulations are requirements that no on-site sales occur, no non-resident of the premises is employed on-site, no direct outdoor storage occur, and no increase in pedestrian or vehicular traffic occur as a result of the business. If you are planning to have a business in your home you are required to initial the Home Occupation section on the Business Registration Application.