Starting and Growing a Business in Walnut Creek

A business plan is the first step to starting a successful business. This plan will help you evaluate your idea, estimate costs, and determine the strengths and weaknesses of your proposal. A business plan may also serve as a tool to help raise money and is usually required to apply for a loan.

To assist in developing your business plan, there are local and regional organizations that provide assistance free of charge, including: 

East Bay SCORE
info@eastbayscore.org
(510) 273-6611

East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
ebinfo@eastbaysbdc.org
(510) 885-4801

It is important to determine the structure of your business for operating and business reporting purposes. Will you operate your business as a sole proprietor, partnership (two or more owners), or corporation (one or more stockholders/officers)?

If you are a sole proprietor, no formation documents are required to be filed with the California Secretary of State. It is optional for partnerships to file with the State.

If you are starting a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC), or a limited partnership (LP), you must contact the California Secretary of State’s Office. They can supply you with all the information and forms you need. Visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information.

Before signing a building/property lease or purchase agreement, double check the zoning of the site. Not all spaces are suitable or allowed for certain types of business uses. City zoning exists to protect you and your neighbors from incompatible uses. For example, it may not be safe for a childcare center to be located next door to a chemical manufacturing plant. Zoning restrictions help avoid this potential hazard.

You can also contact the City’s Duty Planner at (925) 256-3558 to determine if your business is a permitted use for the proposed location and if any special approvals are needed.

To find commercial properties that are for lease or sale, you can visit the free Rofo website (the City does not guarantee the accuracy of the information). If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Economic Development team is eager to assist you. Feel free to contact the team at (925) 943-5899 or via email.

If you will be registering your business using a name that is different than your own legal name, such as doing business as (DBA), you need to register the business name with The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. This step needs to be completed before obtaining a business license from the City of Walnut Creek.

Also, public notices announcing your new business name must be posted for four weeks in the local newspaper to complete the registration process. Contact the East Bay Times or the Mercury News at for public notices.

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

Will you sell a product? The California Board of Equalization (BOE) can assist you in determining whether you need a Seller’s Permit. You may also be required to collect sales tax. To do so, the Board of Equalization will need to issue you a resale number in order to report sales tax. 

Whether self-employed or an employer with one or more employees, you must pay Social Security taxes. Learn more.

All individuals, partnerships, corporations, and sole proprietors conducting business in the City Of Walnut Creek are required to have a business license. This includes subcontractors, commercial and residential landlords, and home-based businesses. Obtaining a business license does not authorize a business to operate unless the business complies with all federal, state, and local regulations. 

Business license fees or permit fees are either a flat rate or based on your business gross receipts, whichever is less. Businesses located outside of Walnut Creek, but doing business in Walnut Creek (such as vendors, consultants, and contractors) are required to apply and pay for a Walnut Creek business license. Contractors pay based on the type of license the business has on file with CSLB and where the business is located (not the job location). 

All home-based businesses are required to apply for a business license and a Home Occupation Permit. The Home Occupation Permit fee is $100. Some businesses may be eligible for a business tax exemption. To check if your organization is eligible or if you need assistance in completing the necessary forms, please contact the Business License Division at (925) 943-5821 or via email.  Click here to apply for a business license online. 

If you receive a 1099, you need to register for a business tax account with the City. Once a business is registered, most businesses can renew annually online.

Your business may require permits and/or site inspections by city departments as part of your application approval. This depends on your business type and/or if you are making improvements to a building.

Building Permits
Building Permits are how the City of Walnut Creek ensures construction is safe for occupancy and use. This permit is required for all new construction. Your business must be located in a building constructed appropriately for your use. A permit is also required for most modifications, replacement construction, additions, or remodeling. Any changes to a building must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Building permit applications can be obtained from the City’s Permit Center.

Sign Permits
For businesses that want to display a sign that is visible from outside a building, a sign permit is required. Permits are required for both permanent and temporary signs. A permit application can be obtained from the Community Development Department.

Other Permits
Other business activities that require a permit include distributing advertising material, selling goods from a non-stationary site, or operating a food truck or a taxi. Permit applications for these types of activities can be obtained from the Business License Division. 

For individuals who wish to open a massage establishment and/or apply for a massage technician permit, please follow the instructions provided by the Police Department. 

Depending on the type of business, you may be required to obtain permits or licenses from the various county, state, or federal agencies. Please contact these individual agencies directly if applicable.

• Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License: No person may directly or indirectly — on any pretense — sell, barter, charge for possession, or otherwise dispose of alcoholic beverages as part of a commercial transaction without having obtained the proper license or permit. 
• 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 repair shops are also required to obtain a State license. Visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs website to find out if you must register your business.
• Child Care Center or Family Child Care Home License: Licensing of all child care centers and family child care homes in California is required. A license can be obtained through the California Department of Social Services. 
• Contractor’s License Construction: This is one of the largest industries in California’s diverse economy. The Contractors Stat e License Board (CSLB) receives and processes applications for new licenses, additional classifications, changes of license records, and license renewals. An Application for Original Contractor’s License can be obtained from any CSLB office, by telephone, or online. All subcontractors must also register for a City business tax account. Failure to register may result in your permit being placed on hold.
• 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 from the US Customs Service. 
• Restaurants, Mobile Food Vendors, Cottage Food Operators, and Tattoo Parlors – Health permits and inspections are required for restaurants, mobile food vendors, cottage food operators, as well as tattoo parlors. Contact the Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department to arrange for an inspection, or to request information and advice regarding health and environmental safety issues. 
• Sanitary Sewer Service: Any construction work or improvements by new or existing commercial tenants or new commercial building requires sanitary sewer service review by Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.   
• 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. 
• Other Permits and Licenses – To determine what other regional, State, and federal permits and licenses your business may need, contact the State’s “CalGOLD Business Permits Made Simple.” 

If you hire employees, be sure to register with the California Employment Development Department. They will provide you with the necessary forms and answer any questions you may have regarding your responsibilities. As an employer, the State requires you to do the following:

• withhold state income tax 
• withhold state disability insurance
• pay unemployment tax 
• pay for any employment training costs

If you have employees, you are required to be located in a commercial location.

You must also register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to receive an Employer Identification Number. The IRS offers many services to new business owners and will provide a package of helpful information explaining the types of forms used and due dates for these forms.

As an employer, you are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You may obtain this insurance through your own insurance agent or the State Fund of California. The State Fund is a non-profit, public enterprise fund that operates like a mutual insurance carrier.

Business must subscribe to garbage and recycling services with Walnut Creek’s exclusive hauler, Republic Services. 

RecycleSmart provides solid waste services for Walnut Creek residents and businesses. RecycleSmart has contracted with Republic Services for the collection, transfer and disposal of residential and commercial garbage, recycling and organics, and Mt. Diablo Recycling for the processing of residential and commercial recyclable materials. 

Small businesses can drop off hazardous materials including paint, solvents, cleaners, pesticides and much more at the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's HHW facility at 4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez by appointment only. Please call (800) 646-1431 for information and hours or visit the district's website at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

The Contra Costa Green Business Program helps small and medium-sized businesses find ways to minimize their impact on the environment by eliminating or reducing generated waste, finding alternatives to hazardous materials, reducing energy and water consumption, and improving the quality of air, wastewater, and storm water discharges. Businesses, including public and non-profit organizations that meet all of the industry-specific requirements are recognized as certified Green Businesses. 

East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) serves the residents and businesses of Walnut Creek. Contact EBMUD for additional information at customerservice@ebmud.com or (866) 403-2683. 

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) provides gas and electric services in Walnut Creek. Contact PG&E at (800) 468.4743. 

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District provides wastewater/sewer services. Contact CCCSD at (925) 229-7371. 

The following two organizations provide mentorship, training and business consulting free of charge:

• East Bay SCORE 
• East Bay Small Business Development Center 

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce

Walnut Creek Downtown

Project Equity.org promotes employee ownership of local businesses.