Starting a Business in Citrus Heights

Step 1-Determine your Business Structure

For operating and business reporting purposes, it is important to determine if you will operate your business as a sole proprietor, partnership (2 or more owners), corporation (1 or more stockholders/officers), or some other form of business entity.

State of California Secretary of State’s Office, Business Entities: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/busines-entities/

Step 2-Find a Location for your Business and Contact Citrus Heights Planning Division

Find a Location for your Business and Contact Citrus Heights Planning Division (916) 727-4740.

Before signing a building property lease or purchase agreement, contact the City of Citrus Heights Planning Division to determine the zoning of the site, and whether or not your type of business is a permitted use for that location.  In some cases, an additional permit may be required. 

Step 3-Obtain Other Permits and Licenses

Building Permits:

If you intend to alter, remodel, relocate or install any structure, electrical, plumbing. or mechanical portions of the building, you will need to contact the Building Department (916) 727-4760.

When a building has a change of use the Building Department may require a tenant improvement.

The Building Division may refer you to outside agencies such as:

• Metro Fire: https://www.metrofire.ca.gov/index.php/inspectors
• Sacramento Sewer District: https://www.sacsewer.com/business-opportunties
• Sacramento County Health Department: https://emd.saccounty.gov/EH/FoodProtect-RetailFood/Pages/default.aspx

Sign Permits:

Sign permits are required for any sign on the outside of the building including permanent and temporary signs or banners.  Planning Division approval is required along with Building Division approval for a sign permit to be issued.  (Building Division approval not required for a Temporary Sign Permit)

Step 4-Register a Fictitious Business Name

If you create a business name that does not include your own legal last name, you will need to file a fictitious business name with the Sacramento County Finance Department: https://www.finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/FNBGeneral.aspx

Step 5-Tax Reporting

All businesses are required to file both state and federal tax returns.  Contact the California State Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service to learn about specific requirements.

• California State Franchise Tax Board: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/
• Internal Revenue Service: https://www.irs.gov

If you sell a product, you should contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to assist you in determining if a Seller’s Permit is needed.

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/faqseller.htm

Step 6-Obtain a City of Citrus Heights Business License

The City of Citrus Heights Municipal Code requires that all business operating within the city limits must obtain a Business License. The fee for a Business License is based on the type  of business. Business operating out of a residence are required to complete the Home Occupation Clearance form (which is part of the online Business License Application).  It can take up to 60 days for the business license process, please provide all supporting information when applying, this will help the process. 

https://library.municode.com/ca/citrus_heights/codes/code_of_ordinances