For further information please contact:
Steps
1. Evaluate your Needs & Develop a Business Plan
2. Check & Clear Zoning Regulations
3. Determine your Business Structure
4. Register a Fictitious Name & Tax Reporting
5. Pay your Business Tax (License)
6. Obtain Permits & Licenses
7. Doing Business in Fremont
|
There is no way to eliminate all the risk associated with starting a business. However, you can improve your chances of success with proper planning and preparation. A good starting point is to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses by creating a Business Plan. This will help determine whether or not you are ready to start a business.
A Business Plan is the blueprint or road map for where your business will travel. Your Business Plan may also serve as a tool for raising capital and is usually a requirement if you plan to apply for a loan or want to attract financial investors. |
 |
For tips and resources to help you develop your business plan, visit the business plan page. This site includes an up-to-date business plan outline to help you through the development of your own personal business plan. In addition, you will find contact information for agencies that offer a range of business plan preparation services and resources.
Back to top.
 |
Before finalizing your business location or signing any lease agreements, contact the City of Fremont Development Services Center to determine the zoning designation of your proposed site. All businesses must locate in areas zoned to allow that particular business activity. Planning Division staff will help you determine if your business is an eligible use for a specific location and whether any special approvals are necessary. |
Be aware that new business ownership or change in building use may require modifications to bring the building up-to-current code. In addition, tenant improvements may require compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information, contact the City of Fremont Building Division at 510-494-4460.
If you plan to operate a business out of your home, you will need to fill out a Home Occupation Permit application. Zoning information and Home Occupation Permit applications are available in the Development Services Center, by calling 510-494-4460, or visiting the Permits and Licenses page.
Back to top.
| If you want to establish your business as a corporation you must contact the Corporation Division of the California Secretary of State's Office. This office can supply you with all the information and forms you need. In addition, the Name Availability Unit can assist you in determining corporate name availability. The Corporate Legal Unit will review and, if acceptable, file your articles, mergers and other legally required documents. |
 |
For more information, contact the State of California Secretary of State's Office, 1230 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-653-6814 or www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm.
Note: Depending on the structure of your business you may need to obtain Federal Income Tax Identification Numbers, also known as Federal Employer Identification Numbers (EIN's). To find out if your business will require EIN's, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040 or visit www.irs.ustreas.gov.
Back to top.
 |
If you invent a name for your business that is other than your own, the name is considered a fictitious business name. All businesses should first register fictitious business names with the Alameda County Clerk's Office before obtaining a Business License with the City of Fremont Business Tax (License) Division (see Step 5).
For more information, please call the Alameda County Clerk's Office at 510-272-6362 or visit www.acgov.org. |
All businesses are required to file both state and federal tax returns. The IRS provides publications that describe general requirements and gives assistance in developing a system for ongoing tax reporting. For more information contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or visit www.irs.ustreas.gov.
Back to top.
| The City of Fremont uses the term "business tax" rather than "business license." The business tax registration fee for most commercial businesses located in Fremont is $30. The renewal fee in subsequent years is also $30 plus an amount based on the type of business. Businesses operating out of a residential location or home are also required to pay a Fremont business tax. |
 |
In addition, businesses located outside of Fremont, but doing work in Fremont (including vendors, consultants and contractors), are required to register and pay a Fremont business tax. To download a Business Tax Application, visit the Business Tax (License) page. In addition, some businesses may be eligible for a Business Tax Exemption.
Business Tax (License) registration applications are also available in the Development Services Center or by calling the Revenue Division at 510-494-4790.
Back to top.
-
Building Permit: A Building Permit is needed for all new construction in the city of Fremont. In most cases, a permit is also required for replacement of existing construction, additions, and remodeling. Building permits are how the City of Fremont regulates construction to ensure it is safe for occupancy or use. This is done through the review of plans and periodic inspections to verify compliance with the California Building Code and local regulations. For more information on applying for a Building permit, contact the Development Services Center at 510-494-4460 or visit the Building Permits page. Building permit applications are also available at the Development Services Center.
- Fire Permits: A Fire Code Permit from the Fremont Fire Department is required if you want to conduct specific activities, operations, practices or functions within the City of Fremont. For more information regarding Fire Code permits, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 510-494-4280 or visit the Fire Code Permits page.
|
 |
-
Alarm Permits: Every business operating an alarm system in Fremont must obtain an Alarm Permit from the Fremont Police Department. For more information or to download an application, visit the City of Fremont Police Alarm page.
|
- Sign Permits: If you plan on displaying a sign either outside a building or a sign intended to be visible from outside a building, you will need to obtain a Sign Permit. A Sign Permit is needed for both permanent and temporary signs such as building signs, window signs, and banners. For more information on Sign Permits call the Development Services Center at 510-494-4460 or visit the Sign Permit page.
|
 |
-
Utility Agency Permits: Some businesses may need permits or clearance from local utility agencies prior to building and construction or depending on the nature of the business. Local utility agencies may include: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Alameda County Water District (ACWD), and Union Sanitary District (USD). For more information on local permits contact the City of Fremont Development Services Center at 510-494-4460.
-
Retail and Wholesale Business Permits: If your business will involve sales, you will need to obtain a Seller's Permit from the State Board of Equalization. For more information, please call 800-432-2829 or visit www.boe.ca.gov.
-
Restaurants and Food Vendors: A health inspection is required for restaurants and food vendors. Contact the Alameda County Environmental Health Department to arrange for an inspection, or to request information and advice regarding health and environmental safety issues. For more information, please call 510-567-6700 or visit www.acgov.org.
-
California Department of Consumer Affairs License: Many professional businesses such as accountants, engineers, doctors, and dentists require a State license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Businesses such as barbers, cosmetologist, security services, and auto repairs are also required to obtain a State license. To find out if you must register your business, contact 800-344-9940 or visit www.dca.ca.gov.
-
Import/Export Permit: If your business will involve the import or export of products with other countries, you may need to obtain an Import/Export Permit. For more information, contact the United States Customs Service at 415-782-9210.
-
Other Permits & Licenses: To determine what other regional, state, and federal permits and licenses your business may need, call the CalGOLD Business Permits Made Simple office at 916-322-7394 or visit their website at www.calgold.ca.gov.
Back to top.
Some things to keep in mind when doing business in Fremont and as your business grows:
| Garbage & Recycling Services: All Fremont businesses are required to have garbage collection services provided by the City's contractor, Allied Waste Services. As part of its services, the City of Fremont and Allied Waste Services offer a no-cost recycling program designed to meet the needs of small businesses. For information contact Allied Waste at 510-657-3500 or visit their website. |
 |
Utilities:
-
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): Gas and electric services in Fremont are provided by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). For more information contact PG&E at 800-468-4743 or visit www.pge.com.
-
Alameda County Water District (ACWD): The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) serves the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. For more information contact ACWD at 510-659-1970 or visit www.acwd.org.
-
Union Sanitary District (USD): The Union Sanitary District (USD) provides wastewater collection, treatment and disposal services to the cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City. For more information contact USD at 510-477-7500 or visit www.unionsanitary.com.
Join a local Business District Association.
Back to top.
|
