Listed below are some helpful contacts for Palo Alto businesses. Use the links, below, to jump to sections in this list of business resources.
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto General Information
(650) 329-2100
Economic Development & Redevelopment
(650) 329-2604
Information for businesses operating, locating or expanding in Palo Alto. Assistance to companies in understanding and working through the development process.
Fire Department
(650) 329-2184
Information on fire prevention, hazardous materials and other requirements.
Planning Division
(650) 329-2441
Provides use and occupancy permits, zoning information and other planning approvals.
Building Division
(650) 329-2496
Performs inspections, issues building and construction permits.
Development Center
(650) 329-2496
285 Hamilton Avenue
The City provides a "one stop" Development Center with representatives from the planning, building, public works, utilities and fire departments. Permit and development questions can be answered at the Center located across the street from Palo Alto City Hall.
Office of Emergency Services
(650) 617-3197
Information on disaster preparedness, earthquakes, flooding and other emergencies.
Police Department
(650) 329-2147
Issues permits and licenses to street vendors who sell flowers and food for immediate consumption.
Public Works
(650) 329-2151
Provides flood zone information, street work and encroachment permits.
Utilities General Information, Customer Service
(650) 329-2161
Utilities, Emergencies, Dispatch
(650) 329-2579
Business Accounts
(650) 329-2241
Provides water, wastewater treatment, electricity, natural gas, refuse, storm drain and fiber optics.
Local Business Resources
City of Palo Alto Economic Development & Redevelopment
250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301
Telephone: (650) 329-2604
Fax: (650) 329-5025
Web Site: /resources
Palo Alto's Economic Development & Redevelopment Dept:
- Provides a single point of contact for businesses located in Palo Alto
- Operates a "Business Outreach Program" and provides staff representatives to major business/retail groups
- Manages a business retention program that targets assistance to major revenue generating areas and uses in the City
- Facilitates City processes for businesses operating, locating or expanding in Palo Alto
- Participates in regional economic strategic efforts
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
122 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301
Telephone: (650) 324-3121
Fax: (650) 324-1215
Web Site: www.paloaltochamber.com
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce is the second largest chamber in Santa Clara County with more than 800 members. Palo Alto-focused relocation and information packets are available from the Chamber.
Palo Alto Commercical Real Estate Brokers
For information on commercial property located in Palo Alto, click here for a list of local commercial real estate brokers.
For a list of available commercial properties, please click here. For additions, deletions or corrections, please contact:
City of Palo Alto, Economic Development & Redevelopment
Phone: (650) 329-2604
Fax: (650) 325-5025
Regional Business Resources
Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
84 W. Santa Clara Street, Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 494-0240
Web Site: www.siliconvalley-sbdc.org
The SBDC offers a wide variety of services for present and future business owners. Counseling and business services are confidential and free of charge.
Entrepreneurial Center
84 W. Santa Clara Street, Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 494-0210
Web Site: www.ecenteronline.org/home.asp
The SBA-Cisco Systems-San Jose Entrepreneur Center is a collaborative effort between the public sector, private industry and non-profit organizations to provide small business owners with the resource information and tools they need to be successful. Together, the sponsors and contributors have developed a one-stop location where start-up and existing businesses can come to fulfill all of their needs. Services include:
- Financing programs, microloans, conventional financing, commercial real estate financing and venture capital
- Technical assistance in the form of expert counseling for start-up entrepreneurs, targeted consulting for established small to medium-sized businesses
- Training in all aspects of small business management
- Technology development of Internet and technology skills and ease of use of them
- Procurement assistance with public and private procurement and certification programs
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
84 W. Santa Clara St., Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 288-8479
Web Site: www.svscore.org
The Silicon Valley SCORE provides seminars, workshops, free individual counseling and other assistance for both existing small businesses and start-ups in Santa Clara County of California.
Getting Started
County Clerk - Fictitious Business Name
County of Santa Clara Clerk's Office
70 West Hedding Street East Wing, First Floor San Jose, CA 95110
Telephone: (408) 299-2968
Recorded message: (408) 299-2968
Hours: 9-4pm
Web Site: www.clerkrecorder.org
Fictitious Business Name Statements are required to ensure that consumers have access to the true name and address of the owners of a business. A Fictitious Business Name Statement is not required if you are conducting business under a business name that contains your legal name as part of the name. All other individuals, partnerships or corporations are required to register their Fictitious Business Name at the County Clerk-Recorder's Office. Fictitious Business Name Statements are public record.
To aid in researching Fictitious Business Names, the County Clerk-Recorder's Office Business Division maintains indexes on computers and microfiche for public research. Indexes may be searched by business name or owner's name. Filing may be made in person or by mail. Applications may be obtained online at http://clerkrecorder.org/fictbusname_filings.html, in person or by sending a request and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the above address.
State of California: Business Structure
State of California Secretary of State's Office
1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 657-5448
Web Site: www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm
The California Secretary of State Business Portal provides information about starting and filing a business entity in the State of California. In addition, the portal offers information relating to business filings, forms and fees for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, General Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships and Trademarks and Service Marks.
Zoning
City of Palo Alto Development Center
285 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94303
Telephone: (650) 617-3118
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8-4 pm, Wed 9-4 pm.
The City provides a "one stop" Development Center with representatives from the planning, building, public works, utilities and fire departments. Permit and development questions can be answered at the Center located across the street from Palo Alto City Hall. Before finalizing your business location, contact the Development Center to determine the zoning designation of your proposed site.
All businesses must locate in areas zoned to allow that particular business activity. Planning staff will help you determine if your business is an eligible use for that location, and whether any special review is necessary. This applies even if you plan to do business out of your home. If your business site will require any new construction or related activity, Planning staff will help guide you through any additional review required by City land use regulations, such as environmental impact reports.
Special Permits and Licenses
Alcoholic Beverage Licenses
State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Room 119 San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 277-1200 Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Web Site: www.abc.ca.gov
Sale of any alcoholic beverage requires an alcoholic beverage license. Before applying for a license, it is helpful to check with the City of Palo Alto Planning Department to confirm that zoning allows alcohol-related uses at your business location.
Fire Prevention & Hazardous Materials Storage
City of Palo Alto Fire Prevention Bureau
250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94303
Telephone (Fire Prevention): (650) 329-2184
Telephone (Hazardous Material): (650) 329-2347
City of Palo Alto Fire Prevention Bureau 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94303 Telephone (Fire Prevention): (650) 329-2184 Telephone (Hazardous Material): (650) 329-2347
For compliance with regulations pertaining to fire protection and hazardous materials storage, the Fire Prevention Bureau must be consulted. For example, The Bureau issues permits for Fire Sprinkler Systems, Fire Alarm Systems, Hazardous Material Storage and Occupancy.
Department of Environmental Health Services
County of Santa Clara
1555 Berger Drive, Bldg. 2, 3rd Floor, San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone: (408) 918-3400
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Construction or remodeling of any type of food establishment requires a permit from the County. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the County Department of Environmental Health Services at the above address for review and approval.
Special Business Permits
Palo Alto Police Department
Telephone: (650) 329-2147
Permits and licenses are issued by the Police Department to street vendors who sell flowers and food for immediate consumption. The Police Department also accepts applications and issues permits for businesses and activities including but not limited to:
- Peddlers and solicitors
- Taxi cabs
- Massage parlors
- Closing out sales
- Private Parties
- Any street closure
- Any film production shoot
- Any erected tent with more than 400 square feet
- Any encroachment on City property
- Any noise source not covered by the Municipal Code
- Any building use for any event other than what it was originally designed for
- Any planned event that the Risk Manager believes creates City liability
Seller's Permit
California State Board of Equalization
250 South Second Street San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 277-1231
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Web Site: www.boe.ca.gov
A seller's permit is required of businesses engaged in California and of those who intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail. Also referred to as a "resale number," this permit applies to wholesalers as well as retailers. There is no fee for a Seller's Permit, but there may be requirements to ensure payment of the state sales tax. Call or see the State Board of Equalization at the above address to determine if your business needs a Seller's Permit. Before calling please have the following: (1) a business plan (at least preliminary), (2) a proposed location for your business (3) a personal financial statement. Once you have a Seller's Permit, tax returns will be mailed to you. File them with the Board of Equalization as directed. The Board will automatically register you with the Employment Development Department (EDD) if you have employees and have not previously registered with the EDD.
Federal and State Taxes
State Income Tax/Corporate Tax
California Franchise Tax Board
121 So. Pear Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94105
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Web Site: www.ftb.ca.gov
This local office offers basic information and forms that are required when paying state business income tax. For new corporations, the Franchise Tax Board publishes a first-time filing guide for California Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return, or Bank and Corporation Estimated Tax Payment Voucher. Ask for item FTB 1060.
Business Property Tax
While a new business starting up in Palo Alto does not need to contact these agencies initially, these are useful numbers for future questions that may arise related to property tax assessments and collections.
Office of the Assessor - County of Santa Clara
70 West Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110
Telephone (Real Property): (408) 299-5570
Telephone (Business Property): (408) 299-5400
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Conducts business and real property tax assessments.
Tax Collector - County of Santa Clara
70 West Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110
Telephone: (408) 808-7900
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
United States Internal Revenue Service
55 South Market Street, 3rd Floor San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (800) 829-1040 or (408) 817-6747
Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Monday - Friday)
Web Site: www.irs.gov
All businesses are required to file tax returns. Some businesses may have to report certain business information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and withhold employee taxes. Contact the IRS for information and instructions. The IRS provides publications that describe general requirement and gives assistance in developing a system for ongoing tax reporting. Information Resources Publications for small business include:
- Publications 334 - Tax Guide for Small Business
- Publication 583 - Information for Business Taxpayers
- Publication 509 - Tax Calendar
Taxpayer Identification Number
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is required and can either be your Social Security Number or your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Most small businesses need an EIN even if they don't have employees. Publication 583 gives information on an EIN and how to apply for it with the IRS.
Federal Business Income Tax
Every type of business has to file business income tax. Corporations must pay tax separately from shareholders. Sole Partnership, General Partnership and Subchapter S Corporations are taxed as an individual. Confirm with the IRS which tax forms are applicable.
Self Employment Tax
All businesses are responsible for paying Social Security Tax. Self-employed business owners make their Social Security contribution through the self-employment tax. Confirm with the IRS which tax forms are applicable.
Excise Tax
Excise taxes may be applicable to businesses that produce or sell certain products such as chemicals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco or guns. Confirm with the IRS which tax forms are applicable. For full information on any of the above, see or call the IRS for appropriate publications and tax forms.
Tax for Employers
Business entities with employees must comply with certain employee wage withholding and Social Security tax requirements.
Employer/Employees
Employment Information
Businesses that hire employees must comply with all State and Federal labor laws, employment tax and insurance requirements. Contact any of the agencies found in this section for additional information. Definition of an Employee: According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, an employee is: "Anyone who performs services that can be controlled by an employer." For example; if you are a "homeworker" such as a maid or cook, you're an employee. If you are in business for yourself, you are not an employee.
Worker's Compensation Insurance California
Industrial Relations Department; Labor Commissioner
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Room 120 San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 277-1292
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Web Site: www.dir.ca.gov
All employers are required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance to cover employee(s) for work-related injuries. Contact the California Industrial Relations Department for information on workers' compensation requirements as well as minimum wage, working hours and working conditions. For more information contact insurance companies that issue Workers' Compensation Insurance or to the State Compensation Insurance Fund at the following address:
State Compensation Insurance Fund
6203 San Ignacio Avenue San Jose, CA 95119
Telephone: (408) 363-7600
Withholding, Insurance & Taxes
All employers must comply with the following:
State Disability Insurance:
Covers employees for non-occupational illness and/ or injury.
Telephone: (800) 480-3287
Web Site: www.edd.cahwnet.gov/diind.htm
State/Federal Personal Income Tax:
Based on the number of employee requested deductions on IRS form W-4, employers are required to withhold a portion of the employee's wages for State and Federal income tax and Social Security FICA.
Franchise Tax Board Telephone: 1-800-852-5711
Internal Revenue Service Telephone: (800) 829-4477
(800) 829-1040
State Unemployment Insurance:
Covers employees for periods of unemployment which are not their fault, such as layoffs or seasonal work adjustments. Employers must pay unemployment taxes. The rate depends on the unemployment history of the company.
Employment Development Department -
Unemployment Insurance
Telephone: (800) 300-5616
Web Site: www.edd.cahwnet.gov
Employment Development Department -
Employer Payroll Tax Center
Telephone: (888) 745-3886
Web Site: www.edd.cahwnet.gov/taxind.htm
Labor Laws:
All employers must comply with State and Federal labor laws. For information on minimum wage, working hours, and working conditions contact:
State of California Labor Commissioner
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 240
San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (415) 703-4774
Web Site: www.dir.ca.gov
Employee Recruitment and Training
Employment Development Department - EDD CalJobs
Telephone: (800) 758-0398
Web Site: www.caljobs.ca.gov
CalJobs provides an Internet based recruitment assistance and resume listing service.
Santa Clara County
Job Training Partnership Administration (JTPA)
Employment Training Panel
Telephone: (650) 573-3830
Provides job training and employment services to disabled and economically disadvantaged workers. Coordinates job preparation and training services and can work with employers to set up specialized training programs. Companies may qualify for State Training Funds to help train their employees.
