Types of Business - Choosing your Path

Permits, approvals and licensing information based on type of business

Thank you for considering San Ramon as the home of your new business! To help facilitate launching your new business seamlessly, we have assembled the following information to help you navigate the various City departments and other agencies necessary to embark on your new venture.

Permit, approval, and licensing requirements may vary according to the type of business you intend to start, and it is the responsibility of the business to make sure they have the appropriate approvals, including required licenses, before opening. So we have created paths for working with the City for several types of businesses, from home-based to restaurants to large-scale developments.

CalGold can also help you find appropriate permit information for your business. It also provides contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue them.

Choose your Path

Before you even start your business plan, check here to make sure you can operate your business from your home. San Ramon allows some types of businesses to be operated at a residential property.

Business owners need to apply to have a home-based business. This is in addition to obtaining a Business License.

A family day care home is a residence which provides family day care, including the children who reside at the home, as defined in regulations provided by the State of California.

State licensing is required for any provider caring for children of more than one family. For information about requirements, contact the California Department of Social Services at (510) 622-2602 or visit Contra Costa Child Care Council.

A small family day care home (up to 8 child capacity) is exempt by State law from City review and does not need a business license.

However, operators of large family day care homes (9 to 14 child capacity) need to obtain approval of a Minor Use Permit. The Minor Use Permit review process includes notification of the surrounding neighbors prior to a decision on the permit application. The City will also consider the possible impacts of the proposed facility, particularly with regard to spacing or concentration of facilities, traffic, parking, and noise control.

In addition, large family day care homes must also obtain a Business License to operate.

Contact the Planning Services Division at (925) 973-2560 to speak with a planner about specific Minor Use Permit requirements for a large family day care home.

Ready to make your dream of owning a restaurant into reality? The first place to start is finding a location in the appropriate zoning district. You can view the zoning map and learn more about zoning here. The Planning Services Division maintains a map that shows zoning for every parcel in the City and can be contacted at (925) 973-2560.

In addition, every new business in the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District service area must contact the district to have their plans reviewed prior to service, and in most cases, prior to submitting for building permits. Some business are located in the Dublin San Ramon Services District area. If you are in that service area you will need to Dublin San Ramon Services District to have your plans reviewed.

An appropriate location is needed to apply for a Business License.

Your restaurant might require permits and site inspections by the San Ramon Valley Fire District and/or Planning Services Division and Building & Safety Services Division as part of your application approval, depending on your business and/or if you are making improvements to a building.

Contact the Permit Center for assistance. Permit fees may vary depending on the size and location of the project.

Building Permits The City of San Ramon issues Construction Permits to ensure construction is safe for occupancy and use. Construction Permits are needed for all new construction additions, alterations, and remodels in San Ramon.
Sign Permits If your business would like to display a sign that is visible from the outside of a building, a sign permit is required. The Planning Services Division will review to ensure it complies with the Municipal Code
Encroachment Permits An Encroachment Permit is required for any use of the public sidewalk or right-of-way for such uses like sidewalk seating, merchandise displays, or any work in the public right-of-way during construction.
Fire Permits A Fire Code Permit from the San Ramon Valley Fire District is required if you want to conduct specific activities and practices. Use of hazardous substances or material may require additional review and/or permits. Proof of insurance will be required. The San Ramon Valley Fire District is not part of the City of San Ramon Permit Center and will need to be contact after the permit is filed. Staff at the Permit Center can assist you with contact information when you file for your permit.

Finally, restaurants, caterers, or food-handling businesses will need to contact the Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department for a health certificate, the State Board of Equalization for a seller’s permit.

Do you have a small law office, salon, tutoring center, or a similar personal or professional service business?

The first place to start is finding a location in the appropriate zoning district. One of San Ramon’s many retail centers might have a location perfect for your business. The retail center map includes contact information for the management companies.

You can view the zoning map and learn more about zoning here. The Planning Services Division maintains a map that shows zoning for every parcel in the City and can be contacted at (925) 973-2560.

In addition, every new business in the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District service area must contact the district to have their plans reviewed prior to service, and in most cases, prior to submitting for building permits. Some parcels are actually located in the Dublin San Ramon Services District area.. New businesses in those parcels will need to contact the District for plan review.

An appropriate location is needed to apply for a Business License.

Your business might require permits and site inspections by the Fire Department and/or Planning Services Division and Building & Safety Services Division as part of your application approval, depending on your business and/or if you are making improvements to a building.

Contact the Permit Center for assistance. Permit fees may vary depending on the size and location of the project.

Permits The City of San Ramon issues Building Permits to ensure construction is safe for occupancy and use. Construction Permits are needed for all new construction additions, alterations, and remodels in San Ramon.
Sign Permits If your business would like to display a sign that is visible from the outside of a building, a sign permit is required. The Planning Services Division will review to ensure it complies with the Municipal Code.
Encroachment Permits An Encroachment Permit is required for any use of the public sidewalk or right-of-way for such uses like sidewalk seating, merchandise displays, or any work in the public right-of-way during construction.

Fire Code Permits A Fire Code Permit from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is required if you want to conduct specific activities and practices. Use of hazardous substances or material may require additional review and/or permits. Proof of insurance will be required. SRVFD is not part of the City of San Ramon. The permit center staff will assist you in contacting that agency for the necessary approvals

The first place to start is finding a location in the appropriate zoning district. One of San Ramon’s many retail centers might have a location perfect for your business. The retail center map includes contact information for the management companies.

The Planning Services Division maintains a map that shows zoning for every parcel in the City and can be contacted at (925) 973-2560.

In addition, every new business in the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District service area must contact the district to have their plans reviewed prior to service, and in most cases, prior to submitting for building permits. Some businesses are served through the Dublin San Ramon Services District. The planning staff can assist you on who to contact about your business.

An appropriate location is needed to apply for a Business License.

Your business might require permits and site inspections by the Fire Department and/or Planning Services Division and Building & Safety Services Division as part of your application approval, depending on your business and/or if you are making improvements to a building.

Contact the Permit Center for assistance. Permit fees may vary depending on the size and location of the project.

Permits The City of San Ramon issues Building Permits to ensure construction is safe for occupancy and use. Construction Permits are needed for all new construction additions, alterations, and remodels in San Ramon.
Sign Permits If your business would like to display a sign that is visible from the outside of a building, a sign permit is required. The Planning Services Division will review to ensure it complies with the Municipal Code
Encroachment Permits An Encroachment Permit is required for any use of the public sidewalk or right-of-way for such uses like sidewalk seating, merchandise displays, or any work in the public right-of-way during construction.
Fire Code Permits A Fire Code Permit from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is required if you want to conduct specific activities and practices. Use of hazardous substances or material may require additional review and/or permits. Proof of insurance will be required. SRVFD is not part of the City of San Ramon. The permit center staff will assist you in contacting that agency for the necessary approvals

Business Concierge is a complimentary service that brings together the City’s Economic Development, Planning, Building, and Engineering Services Divisions to make opening a larger business in San Ramon a pleasant experience.

Concierge staff identify requirements specific to the unique needs of your business. The roadmap developed for businesses will identify applicable codes to the specific type of improvement being made and only require information on plans that pertain to the scope of work.

You will also be connected with other regulatory agencies such as the County Health Department, Fire District, Sanitary District, and Water District for information on their permitting requirements.

Once your business is established you will be connected with resources that will help you make your business grow and thrive.

Contact the Permit Center at planning@sanramon.ca.gov or (925) 973-2574 for information and for an appointment to discuss your unique needs and vision.