Part 1 of 2 -- The City and County Business License Process [Starting a New Business in California]

[@GMartinez777]

Martinez, it would be worth a video explaining the requirement for a building permit for new business opening in a building permitted only as a shell (no occupancy group, use and occupancy load). The video is very well articulated. 👍🏼 -Gabriel M

[@CBO.online]

Hi Gabriel. That is a great suggestion, helping business navigate the building permit requirements is absolutely on my list of content to produce. The fact that you (as a current B.O.) suggested that, tells me you are conscientious about helping customers (business owners). Great to hear - and once again, thank you. Have a fantastic Friday, Gabriel. - Jose M

[@eveguizar]

Hello Building CodeBuddy Online. I am hoping to open a cafe in my hometown and i am having to create a change of use plan because it was a salon prior. I am not wealthy and i am trying to do as much as i can myself. I have a drafter friend who has created some plans for me. Is it required for me to have an engineer or architect to stamp the set my friend created in order get building permits? Thank you!

[@CBO.online]

In many cases, if the change of use involves structural modifications or alterations, or if the proposed work affects the “safety of the building,” an engineer or architect’s stamp may be required. Here’s a link to the Business and Professions Code (State law) that outlines these requirements. You should review with your designer and/or legal counsel. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=5538. It is also a good idea to ask your local agency to cite the specific code or requirement they are referencing so you can be fully informed. Good luck with your project, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

[@ARJUN7444]

God bless you

[@CBO.online]

Thank you - and I hope the information is of help to you. Thank you for watching and please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Take care. - Jose M

[@Kellyjoseph49]

@@CBO.online where do I apply for county licence in Florida ?

[@CBO.online]

@@Kellyjoseph49 Hello. Thank you for your question. You should start with the Florida County office of where you plan on creating the business. You can do a search (using the County name) to narrow down the department as an example; type "Seminole County Florida Business License" and you will get many hits to the department you need to contact. In the State of Florida Counties, it is generally the Tax Collector's office of the County that issues Business Licenses; but double check with your local County office. I hope this helps you. Best of luck to you. Jose M

[@Kellyjoseph49]

Thank you so much