CalGold - Santa Clara Valley Permit Assistance Center serves the counties of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Mateo and Santa Clara. You can also reach them by telephone at
1-800-GOV-1-STOP or (408) 277-1477.

Some businesses and occupations are required to be licensed by the state. The California Trade and Commerce Agency licenses many occupations, such as doctors, dentists, veterinarians, barbers, employment agencies, marriage counselors and many more. Other state departments also require licenses for some types of businesses.

Depending on the specific type of business or manufacturing operation, some businesses may be required to obtain permits covering various construction, operating, production or disposal procedures. For "one-stop" licensing information, contact the California Trade and Commerce Agency at 1-(800) 303-6600.

Some local units of government require licenses for certain types of businesses. Contact your county clerk and city clerk to learn about local requirements.

Zoning and Building Codes and Ordinances

When starting or expanding a business, it is important to verify that the facilities you use are in compliance with all laws. To do this, first contact your city assessor or township clerk to assure compliance with local zoning codes. Next, contact the local building inspector to assure compliance with regulations affecting construction (e.g., building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes, and rules on construction, alterations, demolitions, occupancy and use of building). There may also be county zoning requirements. Home-based businesses frequently face special requirements

Contact your county clerk and city clerk to learn about local requirements.

Barrier Free Design

In 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act mandated federal requirements concerning barrier free design. These regulations are intended to ensure that public facilities are accessible to and usable by all citizens, including elderly persons, wheelchair users and individuals with permanent or temporary conditions that reduce coordination or mobility or make walking difficult or insecure. State law also requires that new construction be designed and built in accordance with the barrier free design requirements of the state construction code. Structures that undergo an alteration must comply to a certain degree with the barrier free requirements of the state construction code. Structures that undergo an alteration must comply to a certain degree with the barrier free requirements.