In order to go into business, there are some steps you must follow first. Some businesses may require a seller's permit. Some a fictitious name must be registered. The following is a guide line only. You should consult with an attorney any time you undertake starting a business.

Licenses, Permits and Registrations you may need
when going into business in Trinity County.

The most often asked question is: Do I need a business license? Trinity County does not require a business license at this time.

Fictitious Name

If the planned name for your business does not include your full name, you will need to register a fictitious name with the County Clerk's Office. The cost of a Fictitious Name is $12.00 for the first person and first business name, $2.00 each additional registrant and $2.00 each additional business name. The name must be advertised once a week for four (4) consecutive weeks in a paper of local circulation in the County. Advertising cost is $40.00 for the four (4) weeks.

County Clerks Office

101 Court Street

Weaverville, CA 96093

530-623-1215

Seller's Permit

If you plan to sell taxable merchandise or provide a taxable service you will need a Seller's Permit for each place of business. You can apply for a Permit at the following address of the State Board of Equalization. Also see attached Exhibit I for additional information and a Sample application form. There are no costs for the Permit.

State Board of Equalization

391 Hemsted Drive

Redding, CA 96001

530-224-4729

Other types of businesses (such as the motel/hotel industry) may require permits or registrations. Please contact the County Clerks office and/or the Planning Department, as they should be able to guide you to the proper permits required and departments that issue them.

Employer Identification Numbers

If you plan to hire any employees, you will need an Employer Identification Number from both the Federal and State Government. Apply at the following addresses and see Exhibit II for additional information and Sample applications. There are no costs for obtaining identification numbers.

Worker's Compensation Insurance

If your business will have employees, you are required to carry Worker's Compensation Insurance. Your insurance agent may be able to handle this. If not, contact the State Compensation Insurance Fund.

State Compensation Insurance Fund.

364 Knollcrest Dr.

Redding, Ca

530-223-7000

Building Permit

If facility construction is involved, including major or minor remodeling, local Zoning Ordinances which govern construction should be checked by contacting the County Planning Department. A building or other permits and zoning validation may be required. The cost of a Building Permit is usually based on the dollar value of construction.

Building Department

303 Trinity Lake Blvd.

Weaverville, CA

623-1354

Home Occupation Permit

If you plan to operate a business from your home you will need to contact the County Planning Department. They will be able to assist you with the proper section of the codes and the fee schedule. Attached (Exhibit III) is a copy of Section 30.2 titled "Provisions for Home Occupations and Cottage Industry". In addition, depending on the type of business, access and other standards may be required by state law. For information on these issues contact the Building Department. A sample copy (Exhibit IV) of the fee schedule is attached, please contact the Planning Department for a current one.

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Planning Department

303 Trinity Lake Blvd. P.O. Box 2819

Weaverville, CA

623-1351

Additional and Special Permits

Always check to see if a fee is required for the permit you need.

Some business ventures may require permits other than those outlined above. For retail food facilities, public swimming pools, underground storage tanks, water wells and septic systems contact the Health Department. If you are unsure which department you should contact, one of the following authorities should be able to direct to the proper department:

Injury, Accident and Illness Prevention Program

If your business will require the employment of one or more employees, you will need to formulate and maintain an Accident and Illness Prevention Program. This will require a written plan covering (1) training of employees (2) instruction regarding hazards unique to each employee's job assignment and (3) scheduled periodic inspections of the work place to identify unsafe conditions and work practices. Information on the above can be obtained from:

California Department of Industrial Relations (CAL/OSHA)

381 Hemsted Drive

Redding, CA

530-224-4743

Other Sources of Assistance

You may wish to consult with an attorney to assist you with any legal questions or papers. An accountant will assist you in setting up your record keeping system and can advise you on what State and Federal Reports will be required. Your insurance agent should be able to advise you of the types of insurance you should have. Your banker can advise you in financial matters.

Additional Phone numbers you may need.

Trinity County Public Utility District

310 S. Miner Street

Weaverville, CA

623-5536

GTE

Residential Phone 1-800-776-6202

Business Phone 1-800-772-5153

Pacific Bell

Residential Phone 1-800-540-5400

Business Phone 1-800-464-2202

Happy Valley Telephone 1-530-266-3411

The county is covered by three different telephone companies.