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Being in business is about making money and showing profits. It is also about maintaining an entrepreneurial zeal to meet market need and achieve significant results.
This page contains information to help you identify the regulatory issues and licenses required to establish your business in Alameda.
Business Licenses
If you are conducting business or have a fixed place of business in a city, apply for your license at the city offices, tax and license division. Consult your telephone directory under the name of the city; for example. For the City of Alameda see Alameda, City of License or tax rates and permit requirements vary from city to city. The telephone number for the City of Alameda, Business License division is (510)747-4851.
 More about City Business Licences
Issuance of a business license should not be construed as authorization to conduct a business within the Zoning District in which it is located. Please contact the Planning / Zoning Department to determine conformity of the business with City regulations.
If your business is based in one city but you plan to conduct business in other cities, you will probably need a license from each city. If your business is based in an unincorporated area, you need to contact the county business license office. The telephone number for the County of Alameda is (510) 670-6400.
Home Occupation Registration
Alameda Municipal Code 30-2 states that any business that is being conducted from a residentially zoned area must complete a Home Occupation form. Planning staff is available in Room 190, Building Services or by phone at (510) 747-6850 on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 am 4:00pm, Thursday. 8:00am to 3:30pm. The one-time Home Occupation Permit fee is $200.10.
Zoning Requirements
For zoning information please contact the Planning & Building Department.
Sign Ordinance
The Sign Ordinance is available for your reference at the business license or planning department counters, and on this Website. gov/municipal_code.html
Municipal Code
(Refer to Chapter Chapter 6; BUSINESSES, OCCUPATIONS AND INDUSTRIES)
Importing and Exporting
In addition to the City business license a special license is required for exportation. Information is available from the
 Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security
Or call the San Jose Office at 408-998-7402, FAX 408-998-7470.
Business Improvement Area Charges
The City of Alameda has two business improvement districts. In addition to the business license fee, there is a separate charge imposed upon businesses conducting their activities within the district. Businesses located in and around Park Street or Webster Street should the offices in their area:
Park Street Area 510-523-1392
Webster Street Area 50-523-5955
Building Permits
If you plan to remodel, post or put-up signs, or change anything in the building, you may need a permit.
More about City Permits
For the most current information please contact the Central Permits office at (510) 747-6800.
Fictitious Business Name
Businesses with business names that do not include the full names of the owner or corporate name of the corporation must file a petition of fictitious name with the County of Alameda.
County of Alameda - Fictitious Business Names
County Clerk's Office is located at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607 (between 11th & 12th Street), telephone number 510-272-6363.
Seller's Permit / Resale Numbers
Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers must obtain seller's permits from the California State Board of Equalization. The nearest location is at 1515 Clay Street, Suite 303, Oakland, CA 94612. Telephone number is (510) 622-4100, fax number is 510-622-4175. Questions regarding sales and use taxes call 1-800-400-7115. The board also issues resale permits which enable business owners to purchase supplies or merchandise used for resale.
Board of Equalization Site
Employer Identification Number
If you plan to hire employees, there are several requirements.
- You must obtain an employer identification number from both the Internal Revenue Service and the California Employment Development Department. The nearest offices are listed below:
Internal Revenue Service
1301 Clay St., South Tower, Ste. 160
Oakland, CA
(800) 829-1040
Internal Revenue Service
California Employment Development Department
7700 Edgewater Dr.
Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 577-2369
California Employment Development Department
- You should arrange for worker's compensation insurance coverage. For information, contact the
California Department of Industrial Relations
- To determine requirements for safety and health standards in your place of business contact the
California Department of Industrial Relations
Environmental Health Services
If you are going to prepare and sell food, you will need to obtain a permit from the Environmental Health Services at the County Health Services Agency. The number for the Oakland Office is (510) 567-6700.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration located at 455 Market St, 6th Floor, San Francisco, holds workshops for small business owners.
SBA San Francisco office
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