If your business plans to have a physical location, it's important to choose a spot that's in a commercially zoned area. If you're running a home-based operation, other permits may apply.
🏦 Operating in a Commercial Location
🚧 Check with your city planning department
Businesses planning on having a physical commercial location—store, restaurant, office, manufacturing, industrial operations—will need to adhere to zoning and permitting requirements.
Before signing a lease, be sure to check with your city/jurisdiction to ensure that you are able to use the space as you intend.
🏁 Resources for understanding commercial leases
Check out this useful information on commercial leases and how they work:
- Understanding Key Commercial Leases (recorded webinar)
- Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease
🏠 Operating from Home
🏙️ Incorporated cities
If you're excited about starting a business right from the comfort of your home, you may need to apply for a Home Occupation permit. Don't worry—just reach out to your local business development or permitting office, and they'll guide you through the process!
🛤️ Unincorporated Sonoma County
Lucky for you, most home-based operations do not require a Home Occupation permit! There are certain standards and limitations on what these home operations can look like, based on Section 26-88-121 of the County Code. For more a breakdown of this code, check out our article on home-based operations!