Dana Point Chamber of Commerce


OPENING OR EXPANDING A BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF DANA POINT The City of Dana Point is available to assist with establishing or expanding quality businesses in the community. Opening a new business can seem complicated and confusing. The City is organized to help reduce potential confusion by identifying some of the basic steps necessary to open most simple businesses. CITY PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS The Chamber of Commerce is your best place to start when you contemplate opening a business. We can direct you to the various City, County and State agencies and assist in facilitating your move. Often times, moving into a vacant building or suite with a compatible business requires very little involvement from the City. In other cases, the need for permits depends upon the type of business and the work required to open the new store or office. City staff will advise you of the permits and fees required based upon the specifics of your proposed business. You are encouraged to make early inquiries so that you and the property owner are fully aware of the actions needed prior to opening for business. Common City Permits Zoning/Parking/Signs Planning Division (949) 248-3560 Over the counter, the Planning Division reviews your proposed place and type of business and determines whether any special approvals are required. If no special approvals are required, the Division then reviews your proposed business site to determine the following: (1) are you located in a zone which permits your proposed business, (2) is there adequate parking, and (3) are proposed signs consistent with City standards? Based on this preliminary assessment, you will be advised regarding any required City permits or inspections. Please call the Planning Division and ask for the Planning Technician. Building Improvements Building Division (949) 248-3560 If you intend to alter an existing building or construct new facilities, a building permit will normally be required to protect you and your customers. You will need to prepare and submit building plans for approval. The City will perform periodic inspections during construction to ensure compliance with the approved plans. A final inspection certificate will be issued upon completion of construction. Please call the Building Division and ask for the Building Clerk. Public Right-of-Way Improvements Public Works Department (949) 248-3554 If your project involves construction or alterations to public property including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, parkway landscaping, etc., or if it involves work of any nature within the street right-of-way, then an encroachment permit will be required. Please call the Public Works and Engineering Services Department and ask for the Civil Engineering Assistant or the Public Works Inspector. Fire Inspections Orange County Fire Department (949) 362-4410 As part of the final building inspection process, a fire inspection permit may be required for certain types of businesses. The fire inspection is based upon the Uniform Fire Code. The fire inspector will review the premises for compliance with fire exits, flammable materials storage, and other requirements. The Fire Department thereafter conducts an annual reinspection for permit renewal. Please ask for the Planning and Development Division of the Orange County Fire Department. Police Services Orange County Sheriff's Department (949) 248-3550 The Orange County Sheriff's Department provides police services for the City of Dana Point. The Sheriff's' Department issues licenses for a variety of businesses, including pool rooms, dance halls, pawnshops, gun dealers, and others. For licensing information, please call the Orange County Sheriff's' Department at the number above. For general questions regarding police services in Dana Point, please call (949) 248-3580.	Other Common Permits and Licenses: Depending upon the nature of your business, other permits and licenses may be needed. The City of Dana Point will help you to determine if other permits are needed from county, state, or federal officials. The Permit Assistance Center of Orange County may also be able to assist you with some or all of these permits. Some of the more common permits or licenses are: Fictitious Business Name Filing A fictitious business statement is required to be filed with the County Clerk if you will be doing business under a name other than your own. You must also publish the fictitious name in an adjudicated newspaper. The Orange County Clerk's phone number is (714) 834-3005. Seller's Permit for Retail Businesses Any business selling or leasing tangible goods must apply for a seller's permit from the California State Board of Equalization. To apply for a permit, call the State Board of Equalization at (714) 558-4054. Health Permits for Establishments Serving Food A Health Department Permit and Inspection must be obtained for food serving establishments such as restaurants, markets, food booths, etc. Please call the Orange County Health Care Agency's Environmental Service Division at (714) 667-3737. Liquor Licenses for Establishments Serving Alcohol A liquor license is required for retail stores, restaurants, and other establishments which serve or sell alcoholic beverages. Please call the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at (714) 558-4101 for an application. The City of Dana Point is required to complete one portion of the application for a liquor license and may also require a special permit. You should contact the Planning Technician at (949) 248-3560 for information on city requirements. Employment Development Department If you will be hiring employees, you must register with the State Employment Development Department within 15 days after employees are hired. Please call the Employment Development Department at (714) 288-2600. Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Air quality permits are required for certain types of businesses such as auto body shops, dry cleaners, service stations, restaurants, etc. Occupancy permission may be denied until Air Quality Management District clearance is obtained. Please call the Air Quality Management District's Small Business Assistance Center at (800) 388-2121.