|
ONE-STOP
CHECKLIST
HOW
TO DO BUSINESS
in
THE
CITY OF SACRAMENTO
(Printer
Friendly Version)
MAYOR
Kevin Johnson
CITY
COUNCIL
District
1
Ray
Tretheway
District
2
Sandy
Sheedy
District
3
Steve
Cohn
District 4
Robert King Fong
District
5
Lauren
Hammond
District 6
Kevin McCarty
District
7
Robbie
Waters
District
8
Bonnie
Pannell
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
This Checklist and the services described are designed to help
you understand the process of expanding your existing business or starting
a new venture in the city of Sacramento.
For instance, if you are interested in starting a business,
this Checklist will provide information on the necessary steps to obtain
a business tax certificate in order to carry out your operations in Sacramento.
If you are expanding your business, this Checklist provides you with information
to identify the local agencies involved with permits for new construction
or improvements.
TO USE THIS GUIDE
The permits you need depend upon the type of business you plan
to operate. This Checklist provides a quick reference to all permits described
in this brochure. Carefully read the description of each permit to help
you determine the permits that are applicable to your business and the
documentation you need to obtain each permit. This Checklist, however,
is only applicable to people examining the options of opening a new business
or expanding an existing business in the city of Sacramento. Please note
that all fees are subject to change.
FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions or would like assistance, please
contact the:
CITY
OF SACRAMENTO
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
New city hall - 915 i Street, 3rd floor
SACRAMENTO,
CA 95814
(916)
808-7223
www.cityofsacramento.org/econdev
The
Economic Development Department is responsible
for developing programs and policies to support small businesses and to
retain and recruit major employers. Economic Development staff can provide
information regarding demographics, site location, permit assistance,
and financial and technical resources.
The information contained in this Checklist does not constitute
legal advice and does not operate as a waiver of any applicable City,
State or Federal laws, rules or ordinances. Prices for fees and permits
are subject to change.
Economic
Development Department
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA
95814
(916) 808-7223
The City Economic Development Department is comprised of two
divisions, the Downtown Development Group and the Citywide Economic Development Group. The Downtown Development Group is focused on the redevelopment
and revitalization of Downtown Sacramento. Specific areas of focus include:
. The Sacramento River waterfront
. Downtown housing
. New hotels to support tourism and the Sacramento Convention
Center
. Retail, entertainment and cultural arts facilities
. New commercial and office projects, and
. Public area beautification.
Citywide Economic Development is focused on the attraction of targeted industries, retention
and expansion of businesses, implementation of key opportunity development
sites and neighborhood commercial corridor revitalization.
Neighborhood commercial corridor revitalization is focused on the physical, historical and
commercial assets of the 19 identified neighborhood commercial corridors.
The object is to develop programs and projects that preserve and enhance
the unique attributes and enhance the economic viability of these corridors.
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Office
of Small Business Development
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7223
The Office of Small Business
Development's Emerging and Small Business Development Program is designed
to foster economic development within the City. The program is meant to
provide business owners - regardless of race or gender - equal opportunities
in the City's contracting and procurement activities, and is aimed at
achieving the City's priorities related to inclusiveness, diversity, and
economic development.
Components of the program
include Sheltered Market, Bid Price Preference, Business Development and
Technical Assistance, and Mentor-Protege. The Office of Small Business
Development also provides Emerging and Small Business certifications.
Zoning
Issues
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Before applying for any of the business permits outlined in
this Checklist, you should make sure that the proposed use of the property
is consistent with the zoning. To check the zoning, you must know the
Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) of the property.
If you are the property owner, this number can be obtained from
your property tax statement. If
you are a renter or lessee, your landlord will have the number. If it
is not readily available, you can obtain this information from:
County
Assessor's Office
3701 Power Inn Rd., Suite 3000
Sacramento, CA 95826-4329
(916) 875-0700
You will need the exact address of the property. Once you have
obtained the Assessor's Parcel Number, go to the City Planning Division
to check the
zoning. Some zones have restricted uses. A planner will assist you in
determining whether the proposed use is consistent with the zoning for
your parcel. Projects in Design Review Areas, i.e. Central City, Oak Park,
Del Paso Heights and Strawberry Manor, may require additional review through
the Design Review Board if the project involves new construction. Contact
City Planning and Building Department at 264-5959 for further information.
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BUSINESS PERMITS
General
Information
Business
Operations Tax Certificate (Business License)
City Finance, Revenue Division
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-8500
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
All businesses operating within the Sacramento city
limits are required to have a Business Operations Tax (BOT) Certificate.
This certificate does not grant City approval to operate a business; it
is merely evidence that you have paid the City's BOT. How your tax is
calculated depends on the type of business you operate. To apply for a
BOT you need to have your Federal and State Employer's Identification
Number, or your Social Security Number, your Sales Tax and Use Permit
Number, other City special permits to operate a business may be required
prior to issuance of the BOT Certificate.
A BOT is good for one year or less, depending on the date of
issuance. The maximum tax assessed for any business is $5,000. BOT Certificates
are based on one of the following categories:
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Business Operations Tax
Certificate
for Professionals
Included in this category are professionals such as architects,
attorneys, dentists, engineers, optometrists, morticians, brokers, real
estate agents, accountants, and physicians. For a complete list of professionals
in this category, call theCity Revenue Division at 808-8500.
The tax for the professional tax certificate is based on the
number of years the individual has been licensed by the State of California
to practice the profession:
Years in Operation Tax*
0 to 3 years $75
per professional in the firm
More than 3 but less than 7 years $150 per professional
in the firm
More than 7 years $300
per professional in the firm
*If professionals do not share in the profits of the firm, an
additional $30 per professional will be charged.
If you are a broker (insurance or real estate), the fee for
this certificate is $100 for each principal plus $30 per employee.
The maximum annual tax is $5,000.
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Business Operations Tax Certificate for
Housing and Shelter
If you rent residential property or are in the motel or hotel
business, the fee for this tax certificate is based on the number of units
you rent. This fee is paid annually during the month of March. The tax
certificate for rental property will be sent to each landlord. There is
no need to go to City Hall unless you are in the motel/hotel business.
The tax is assessed as follows:
. If your total rental
residential property has less than four units, there is no tax.
. If your total
rental residential property has four or more units, you must pay $25 plus
$1.75 for each additional unit over four.
. If you are in
the motel or hotel business (transient occupancy), you must apply for
a Business Tax Certificate at City Hall. The fee schedule is determined
as follows:
Business Tax
Hotel/motel, less than four units
$50
Hotel/motel, four or more units
$50 plus $0.75 per unit over four units
For people operating a motel/hotel establishment, a Transient
Occupancy Tax form will need to be completed at the time you apply for
the BOT Certificate. The Transient Occupancy Tax form is available at
the Revenue Office. The City's
Transient Occupancy Tax is currently 12.0 percent of gross room rental
receipts.
Rental or lease of nonresidential (commercial) real property
is taxed based on gross receipts (see below).
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Business Operations Tax for Contractors
This tax is collected at:
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The BOT for contractors is collected each time a contractor
applies for a Building Permit. The tax, based on the permit value of the
work to be done, has a maximum of $5,000 during any calendar year. To avoid paying more than $5,000 as a contractor,
you must retain receipts and provide proof of payment totaling $5,000
to City Finance.
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Business Operations Tax Certificate Based
on Gross Receipts
This Certificate is issued to businesses which do not fall
under any of the categories listed above.
The tax rate for this certificate is:
Annual Gross Receipts Tax
Less than $10,000 $30
base tax
$10,000 plus each additional dollar over $0.0004
(multiply by 1.0004)
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Tax Certificate for Businesses Without
a Fixed Location Within the City
If you do not have a fixed business location within the City
Limits but conduct business in the city, you will need to apply for a
Business Tax Certificate. Businesses in this category include door-to-door
salespeople, street vendors, or branch subsidiaries where the principal
place of business is located outside the city.
The tax is based on total gross receipts for business conducted
within the City.
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Business Improvement District (BID) Tax
Assessment
Based on the location of the business within the city, the
business may be subject to a business improvement district (BID) assessment.
Examples of current BID locations are Del Paso Boulevard, Downtown Sacramento,
Franklin Boulevard, Old Sacramento, Capitol Station, and Stockton Boulevard.
The BID is established by the City Council at the request of
local businesses that want to generate a continuous revenue stream to
fund activities and improvements that enhance the business climate of
the immediate area. Examples of activities and improvements include banners,
marketing materials, graffiti abatement, litter removal and newsletters.
For more information, contact the Economic Development Department or the
City Revenue Division.
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SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A BUSINESS
City Finance, Revenue
Division
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-8500
7 :30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
You will need a Special
Permit(s) if your business
falls under any one or more categories listed here. Special Permits
those permits
are issued by the City to businesses that require additional investigation
and/or approval by other City departments. The Special Permit is renewed
annually and is require a Business Operations Tax Certificate
before they can
be issued. Special Permits are applied for at various City locations depending
on the permit. Please see listing below. For additional information call
the Revenue Division at 808-8500.
Examples of businesses
requiring Special Permits:
Adult-Related Establishment
(Revenue)
Adult-Related Technician (Revenue)
. Escort Permit
. Figure Model Permit
Amusement/Arcade (Revenue)
Amusement Gaming Machines (Revenue)
Antique, Secondhand, Junk and Pawn Dealers and Salvage Yards (Revenue)
Astrology (Revenue)
Auto Wreckers (Revenue)
Billiards (Revenue)
Bingo (Revenue)
Block Permits (Parks & Recreation Department)
Burglary Alarm Permit (good for 3 years) (Police Department)
Canvassing, Soliciting,
Peddling (Revenue)
Cardroom (Revenue)
Cardroom Employees (Revenue)
Carnivals, Fairs, Circuses (City Manager)
Christmas Trees (Revenue)
Concealed Weapons (Police Department)
Curb Painting (Revenue)
Dances Concert/Public Dance (Revenue)
Fireworks (Revenue)
Food Vendor Company (mobile) (Revenue)
Food Vendor Drivers (mobile) (Revenue)
Funeral Escort Permit (Revenue)
Gun Dealer (Police Department)
Horse-Drawn Carriage (Old Sacramento Management) (Issued
at 1111 2nd Street, 264-7031)
. Old Sacramento Historical Compliance Inspection
. City Operating Permit
. Safety Inspection/Animal Inspection
Horse-Drawn Vehicle Driver/Annual Permit (Old Sacramento Management)
(Issued at 1106 Front St., 264-7031)
. Competency Test Annual Renewal
Somatic Practitioner (Revenue)
Patrol Services (Police Department)
Searchlight and Sound (Revenue)
Street Vending - Food or Flower (Revenue)
Taxicab Driver's Permit (Revenue)
Towing Company (Revenue)
Tow Driver (Revenue)
The fee for the Special Permit varies by type
of business. Processing time for this permit can take up to 90 days from
the filing date.
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City
Insurance and Bond Requirements
Risk Management
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-5556
Depending on the type
of business you plan to operate, you may be required to show proof of
liability insurance or a bond before the City will issue a Business Operations
Tax Certificate or Special Permit.
Insurance and Bonds are issued by private companies such as banks and
insurance companies.
The following sample
types of businesses require insurance and/or bonds:
Business
Cardroom License
Amusements
House Movers
Demolition
Taxicabs
Astrology
Tow Cars
Somatic Practitioner
For information regarding
the amount and types of coverage you need, call the City Risk Management
Office at 808-5556.
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Fictitious
Business Name Statement
County
Finance Department
700 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-6644
If you are going to
conduct business under a name other than your legal name, you need to
file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the County Recorder's Office.
This statement can be filed within 40 days of the first day of business;
however, it is recommended that you file before opening your business
to avoid confusion.
To file, go to the public
counter at the County Recorder's Office. Check the business name index
to make sure no one else is doing business under the name you have chosen.
After a Fictitious Business Name Statement has been filed, you will receive
a certified copy of the application. The bank you choose for your business'
financial transactions will request a copy of this certified form to open
your account.
Within 30 days after
filing a Fictitious Business Name Statement, you need to publish the statement
in a newspaper of general circulation in the County. The statement must be published once a week for four weeks. Depending
on the newspaper's policy, either you or the newspaper will need to send
proof of publication to the County Recorder.
The fee for filing a
Fictitious Business Name Statement is $10 for filing one name/one owner.
A $2 fee will be charged for each additional owner and name.
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Incorporation/Trademark
and Service Mark Registration
Secretary
of State's Office
Corporate Filing Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 94814-2974
(916) 657-5448
Limited Partnership Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814-2923
(916) 657-5448
The Secretary of State's
Office handles Articles of Incorporation, Corporation Qualification, Service
Mark Registration, and Trademark Registration. For details, call either
of the above phone numbers.
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Seller's
Permit/Sales and Use Tax Permit
State
Board of Equalization
3321 Power Inn Road, suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95826-3889
(916) 227-6700
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you will be selling
tangible personal property in the State of California, you must apply
for a Seller's Permit. If your business is a partnership, one of the partners
should be present to apply for the Permit. If your business is a corporation,
one of the corporate officers must bring the Articles of Incorporation
at the time of filing. You will be issued a Sales and Use Tax Permit Number
when you apply.
There is no fee for
a Seller's Permit; however, depending on your type of business, you may
be required to post a deposit which would be refundable after three years
of nondelinquent payments. The
sales tax rate in Sacramento County is currently 7.75 percent. A California
Driver's License is required as proof of identification.
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Employer
Registration
State Employment
Development Department
800 Capitol Mall, MIC 83
Sacramento, CA 95814
(888) 300-5616
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you hire employees,
you must register with the State Employment Development Department within
15 days after your first employee is hired.
The Employment Development
Department regulates State Disability Insurance, Unemployment Insurance
Tax, Income Tax Withholdings and Employment Training Tax. There is no
fee to register as an employer. The Employment Development Department
will have information on tax rates and payment schedules.
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Worker's Compensation
State Industrial
Relations Department
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco , CA 94102
(415) 703-5070
The State Industrial Relations Department provides
information and assistance to businesses concerning worker's compensation
regulations and benefits.
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Federal Income
Tax
Internal Revenue
Service (IRS)
4330 Watt Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95842
(916) 974-5225
For
information regarding employee withholdings, self-employment tax, sole
proprietorship, partnership, and corporation taxes, contact the IRS.
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Home Occupation
Permit
City
Revenue Division
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-8500
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
To set up a business in your home, you first contact the Planning
& Building Department. For a detailed listing of eligible occupations
as well as restrictions and special conditions, please contact the City
Planning and Building Department at 264-5656. The fee for a Home Occupation
Permit is $45 and is issued by the City's Revenue Division. A Business
Operations Tax Certificate is also required in addition to the Home Occupation
Permit. Both the BOT and Home Occupation Permit may be applied for at
the same time at the City Revenue Division.
Sample Eligible Occupations:
Accountant
Appraiser
Architect or Landscape
Architect
Artist
Attorney
Bookkeeper
Contractor (Office Only)
Dressmaker or Tailor
Engineer
Insurance Agent/Broker (Office Only)
Interior Decorator (Office Only)
Janitorial Service (Office Only)
Landscape Gardener (Office Only)
Mail Order/Commission Merchant
Photographer
Real Estate Agent/Broker
Stenographer (Office Only)
Telephone Answering Service
Tutor (Office Only)
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SPECIAL
PERMIT TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A Special Permit is needed to operate a bar or establishment
selling beverages for off-site consumption. A Special Permit requires
the approval of the City Planning Commission. You need to have this Special
Permit before you can obtain an Alcoholic Beverage License from the State
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Please contact the City Planning
and Building Department for more information.
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Alcoholic Beverage
License
State
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
3321 Power Inn Road, Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 227-2002
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
An Alcoholic Beverage License must be obtained if you want
to sell alcoholic beverages from your business. The type of license you obtain depends on whether you sell alcoholic
beverages for consumption off the premises (such as grocery store or liquor
store) or on the premises (such as restaurant or bar).
The initial licensing fee ranges from $50 to $12,000. The license
must be renewed annually at a cost of $28 to $800, depending on the type
of license. The processing time
is approximately 45-60 days. For
details regarding proper documentation, contact the Sacramento District
Office of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
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Health Permit
County
Environmental Management Department
8475 Branch Center Road, Suite 240
Sacramento, CA 95826-3913
(916) 875-8550
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
A Health Permit is required
for businesses selling food to the public and for pool cleaning or septic
tank businesses. A Health Permit, issued by the County's Environmental
Management Dept., is required before you can open for business. Fees for
a Health Permit range from approximately $125 to $508, depending on the
type of establishment. An annual re-inspection fee, ranging from approximately
$30 to $151, may also be required.
A Health Permit is required
for the following businesses:
Bars
Bread Stores
Dairies
Food Establishments/Mobile Food Distributors
Manufacturers of Food Goods
Noise Complaints/Monitoring
Pool Cleaning Business
Private Wells
Produce Vendors
Retail Food Markets
Septic Tank Business
Soft-Serve Machines
Storage Tanks, Top or Underground
Underground Hazardous Materials
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Weights
and Measures Device Registration
County
Weights and Measures
4137 Branch Center Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916) 875-6603
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you will be using
commercial weighing or measuring equipment in your business, you are required
to notify the County Office of Weights and Measures within 24 hours of
equipment installation. Businesses such as delicatessens, candy stores,
grocery stores, or gas stations are included in this category. Within two weeks of notification, the scales
or weights in your business will be inspected.
Businesses are billed
annually during the month of January for registration fees. Registration
fees are:
1-3 devices $20 per
year
4-9 devices $40 per
year
More than 9 devices $60 per year
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Revocable
Encroachment Permit
Department of Transportation
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you wish to use property or right-of-way owned by the City,
you need to obtain a Revocable Encroachment Permit. Enforcements
include items such as sidewalk cafes, planter boxes extending onto City
sidewalks or other property, awnings, underground storage tanks, or signs
obstructing the right-of-way. The
Revocable Encroachment Permit must be filed at the City Public Works Engineering
Office. This office will determine
the other departments or agencies you will need to contact to obtain approval.
A Revocable Encroachment Permit requiring
excavation is $250, a Revocable Encroachment Permit requiring City Council
action is $200, and a Revocable Encroachment Permit that does not require
Council action is $50.
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Driveway
Permits
Department of Transportation
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A Driveway Permit is required if
you plan to construct or modify a driveway.
The fee for a Driveway Permit is $100/parcel plus 15 percent of
the value of each driveway. Residences with a vertical curve require a
driveway permit.
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Oversize
Vehicle Permit
City Parking Division
City of Sacramento - Revenue Division
New City Hall - 915 I Street, Room 1214
Sacramento, CA 95814
Office Hours 7:30am to 5:30pm
You will need an Oversize Vehicle Permit if your business will
use large vehicles or vehicles with loads exceeding State limits. For
specific information on dimensions and weight limitations, call the City's
Revenue Division. The fee for this permit is either $15 for a trip
permit which is valid for 5 days, or $70 for an annual permit. Annual permits for additional vehicles are
available at a cost of $35/vehicle.
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Parking
Delivery Permits
City
Parking Division
City of Sacramento -
Revenue Division
New City Hall - 915 I Street, Room 1214
Sacramento, CA 95814
Office Hours 7:30am to 5:30pm
A Parking Delivery Permit, issued to noncommercial vehicles,
allows a passenger car to park in an alley for pickup and delivery for
up to 30 minutes. However, the
vehicle may not be unattended more than 10 minutes. An Emergency Parking
Permit issued to commercial vehicles allows parking in alleys while repairing
equipment such as heating and cooling systems for an unlimited time until
work is completed. These permits are issued annually for a specific vehicle
and are valid through the following June 30, at which time they expire.
The fee for the permit is $40 per year.
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Fire
Department Limited Time Special Event Permit
City
Fire Department, Prevention Division
5770 Freeport Blvd, #200
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-1300
8:00 a.m. - 12 noon; 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This limited-time permit is required to operate Christmas tree
lots, fireworks booths and displays, carnivals and fairs, helicopters
for special events and equipment lifts, parachute landings, tents and
canopies, and other special events or occurrences.
Large events may require a coordination meeting and site review.
Fire prevention code enforcement and/or medic standby may be required
during the actual event for which cost recovery will be sought at an hourly
rate. In addition, certain requirements exist for food vendors who maintain
heat-producing appliances. A permit is issued for each event and requires
a minimum fee of $40.00.
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Building and Land
Use Permits
Zoning/Land
Subdivision/Special Permits
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you are constructing
your own building or remodeling an existing one, check the zoning codes
and the building codes that apply. Some
projects require entitlements granted by the Planning Commission and/or
City Council. Check the Zoning Ordinance to determine whether you need
an entitlement. You need to go to City Planning for all the necessary
applications and instructions. A minimum time period for approval is nine
weeks: six weeks to be heard by the Planning Commission and three additional
weeks to be heard by the City Council. A fee will be charged based on
the request you are filing.
If no Planning entitlements
are required, check the Zoning Ordinance to determine any regulations
you need to comply with to construct your building (e.g. parking, landscaping,
building setbacks). Building permits are still required.
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Downtown
Development Design Requirements
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
All development in the
Central Business District is guided by the Urban Design Plan. This comprehensive
set of guidelines directs architectural designs and streetscapes. It provides
City staff and private interests a common basis for evaluating design
and development issues during the design review and approval process.
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Environmental
Determination
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Any project requiring a land-use entitlement will also require
an Environmental Determination. At the time of filing for an entitlement
or shortly thereafter, you will be notified as to whether you will: 1)
be exempt from this provision, 2) require a Negative Declaration, or 3)
need an Environmental Impact Report for your project. You will be charged
a base fee for the environmental determination. If additional staff work
is necessary, additional costs will be incurred.
The base fees range from $325 to $4,225.
Additional staff time is assessed at the rate of $84 per hour.
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Building
Permits/Commercial Plan Check/Permit Issuance
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A
Building Permit is required in most cases when you plan to make physical
or some cosmetic changes to the interior or exterior of the building you
plan to occupy, or if you are constructing a new building.
When
required, plans should be submitted for a Plan Check and a Building Permit
issued before starting any construction or remodeling. During the course
of construction or remodeling, building inspectors are required to inspect
the work performed.
Building
Permit fees are based on the value of the work to be performed, including
the mechanical, plumbing and electrical work. Plan Check fees are charged
at 80 percent of the permit fee.
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Sign Permit
Develoment Services Department
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 264-5011
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If
you are planning to place a sign on the exterior of your business, you
need a Sign Permit. Regulations regarding the types of signs and their
placement depend on the zoning for the parcel and the type of business. In special sign districts and Planned Unit
Developments, special restrictions may apply.
The
Sign Permit application requires you (the business owner) or your sign
contractor to submit drawings indicating the advertising message, location,
dimensions, construction, electrical wiring and components, and method
of attachment.
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Plan
Check For Food-Related Businesses
County
Environmental Management Department
8475 Jackson Road, suites 230/240
Sacramento, CA 95826-3913
(916) 875-8440
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you are constructing a new food-related facility or are
planning to make any type of tenant improvements to an existing facility,
you need to go through a Plan Check with the County's Environmental Health
Branch. In the case of tenant improvements, a Plan Check is required only
if the improvements you make are related to the food-preparation area
of your establishment (such as changes to any permanently installed equipment
or structural changes to the food preparation area).
Call the County to inquire about the documentation required
for the Plan Check. In addition to the Plan Check by the County, you need
to submit plans to the City Building Inspections Office. The City will
not grant you a Building Permit until it sees that your plans are stamped
by the County Environmental Health Branch. You may submit plans to the
County and City simultaneously. Once
construction is finished, you need to return to the County Environmental
Health Branch and obtain a Health Permit to operate.
Fees for the Plan Check are based on the square footage of
the establishment. New construction fees range from $501 to $876. For minor remodeling, fees range from $125
to $751 and are subject to change.
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Plan Check For Processed-Food
Manufacturers
State
Department of Health Services (DHS)
Food and Drug Branch
1500 Capital Avenue, suite MS 7602
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 650-6500
Businesses
engaged in the manufacturing, packing, labeling or holding (warehousing)
of processed food are required to register annually with the DHS Food
and Drug Branch. The Food and Drug Branch will conduct on-site investigations
to examine a firm's complete production and quality-assurance system.
Call
the County Environmental Management Department to inquire about potential
documentation required for plan check. In addition, you need to submit
plans to the City Planning and Building Department The City will not grant
you a building permit until it verifies that your plans are stamped by
the Food and Drug Branch. You can submit plans to the City and State simultaneously.
The
total amount of fees for Food and Drug Branch inspections range from a
minimum of $353.52 to a maximum of $733.79. Broken out, the fees represent
the following: $253.52 for registration plus $100.00 to $600.00 for food
safety inspection, depending on the size of the facility and the number
of employees.
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Fire Prevention
Permit
City
Fire Department, Prevention Division
5770 Freeport Blvd., #200
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-1300
8:00 a.m. - 12 noon; 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A Fire Prevention Permit is required prior to engaging in activities,
operations, practices or functions of a business that includes combustibles,
emissions, explosives, flammables, hazardous materials, multistory/multiunit
buildings, toxic or waste material. The permit provides a clearance to
operate a business using special processes and materials such as garages
and repairs, hospitals, day-care centers and hotels. To determine whether
you need to comply with this regulatory permit, call the Fire Department
at 264-5480. Fees range from $40 to $325, depending on the
business. Permits are renewed annually.
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Hazardous Materials
Survey - City
City
Fire Department, Prevention Division
5770 Freeport Blvd., #200
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-1300
8:00 a.m. - 12 noon; 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
When filing a
commercial building permit application with the City, a business is required
to complete a Hazardous Materials Survey, which is reviewed by the Fire
Department and County Environmental Health to determine if a Hazardous
Materials Business Plan or Risk Management Prevention Plan is necessary.
The Fire Department
is the administrative agency for the filing of all permits and applications
within the city, while County Environmental Health is responsible for
issuing permits, conducting inspections, and reviewing business plans
and risk-management prevention plans.
The filing fee for the Hazardous Materials Survey is included
in the building application fee.
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Hazardous
Materials Business Plan - County
County
Environmental Management Department
Hazardous Materials Division (HMD)
8475 Jackson Road, Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-8484
Businesses
that store, use, or handle hazardous materials above certain amounts (55
gallons for liquids, 500 pounds for solids, and 200 cubic feet for compressed
gases) are required to file a Hazardous Materials Business Plan with HMD.
This plan must include a hazardous materials inventory, site map, emergency
response plan and employee training procedures. Once approved, the plan
is made available to fire districts and other emergency response personnel
in the event of an emergency. It is also available for public review.
Examples
of businesses that normally qualify for this program are gas stations,
auto repair, lube and oil shops, and wholesale chemical facilities. If
you are uncertain if you need a business plan, or if you desire assistance
in obtaining the required permit, please call professional staff at HMD
at 875-8550 to help you through the process. Permit fees vary from $50.00
to $602.00 based on the number of different chemicals stored.
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Underground Storage Tank Permit
County
Environmental Management Department
Hazardous Materials Division
8475 Jackson Road, Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-8484
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Businesses
that store hazardous materials or wastes in underground storage tanks
must comply with state laws to reduce the likelihood of leaks from occurring.
The Hazard Materials Division (HMD) implements all the legal requirements
for installation, permitting, and removal in Sacramento County. Examples
of businesses that typically have underground storage tanks include gas
stations, large fleet operations, and large lube and oil shops. If you
are uncertain if your business requires a permit, call the staff at HMD.
The
following fees depend on the number of tanks:
Installation
permit fees for new tanks range from $615.00 to $1,183.00; annual permit
fees range from $291.00 to $377.00; removal fees range from $516.00 to
$860.00. Re-inspections are assessed at a rate of $86/hour.
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Air
Pollution Permits
Sacramento
Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
777 12th Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-4800
Air
pollution permits are issued for businesses emitting fumes as a result
of their operations. Examples of businesses requiring air pollution permits
include those that use electric motors, involve fuel burning, electrical
energy creation, incineration, stationary containers which emit fumes,
gasoline fueling equipment, and internal combustion engines.
Permit
fees range from $196 to $3840.
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Environmental Permits
State
Office of Permit Assistance (OPA)
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95812-2815
This
office serves as a one-stop agency for State environmental regulations. It publishes a permit
handbook that
describes over 40 major permits issued by State agencies for projects
affecting the environment.
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Environmental Regulations - Federal
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
West Coast Office (Region 9)
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Technical Information (415)
947-8000
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This
office provides information on Federal environmental regulations.
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Toxic
and Hazardous Materials
State
Environmental Protection Agency
Toxic Substances Division
(916) 255-3545
This
office provides information regarding State regulations on hazardous materials
and issues permits for the handling and transportation of hazardous materials.
See
this office for applicable fees.
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Water Installation
Department of Utilities
1395 35th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822-2911
(916) 264-5011
This
office provides information concerning water installations, tap connections
and applicable fees.
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Sewer and Flood Control
Department of Utilities
1395 35th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822-2911
(916) 264-5011
This
office provides information concerning sewer installation, connection,
flood-control policies and regulations, and applicable fees.
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Regional
Sanitation - Sewer Impact Fees
Sacramento
County Regional Sanitation District (SCRSD)
10545 Armstrong Avenue
Mather, CA 95655
(916) 876-6120
Every
business in the developed portions of the city of Sacramento must pay
impact fees before using the sewer system.
If a business expands or changes its operation, it may also have
an increase in its sewer impact fees.
Sewer
impact fees pay for the added cost of treating more wastewater generated
by a new or changing business. These
fees pay for expanding treatment capacity at the wastewater treatment
plant.
Contact
the District before you finalize your business plan or before you expand
your operation. Impact fees can be very costly - frequently thousands
of dollars - so it is important to get estimates of the cost early. Fees are paid directly to SCRSD before building
permits are issued by the City.
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Solid Waste Collection &
Removal
Department of Utilities
1395 35th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822-2911
(916) 264-5011
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Environmental Regulatory Assistance
Business
Environmental Resource Center (BERC)
3331 Peacekeeper Way
McClellan, CA 95652
(916) 649-0225
The
BERC is a one-stop office helping businesses understand and comply with
local, state and federal environmental regulations by providing free and
confidential consultation services.
BERC can also help businesses with implementing
pollution preventative measures.
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References
to Other Resources
Selected State Boards
Business
and Professional Licenses
State
Department of Consumer Affairs
1020 North Market Blvd., Suite N112
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800)-952-5210
The Department of Consumer Affairs handles business and professional
licenses for occupations ranging from accountants to vocational nurses.
State
Contractors' Licenses
State
of California Contractor's State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827-1703
(800) -952-5210 (Consumer Affairs)
If
you plan to set up a business as a contractor, you will need to obtain
a contractor's license from the State.
An examination is required.
Bureau
of Automotive Repair
State
of California Department of Consumer Affairs
10240 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95827
(800)--952-5210
Bureau
of Electronic and Appliance Repair
State of California Department of Consumer Affairs
3485 Orange Grove Avenue
North Highlands, CA 95660
(916) 574-2069
A
State license is required for businesses repairing or assembling electronics
and appliances. This includes computer assembly or repair.
Bureau
of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
State of California Department of Consumer Affairs
3485 Orange Grove Avenue
North Highlands, CA 95670
(916) 574-2041
A State license is required for businesses that
retail, import, manufacture, reupholster or renovate upholstered furniture
or bedding. This includes antique dealers.
Fees range from $120 to $540 and depend on the actual activity
being performed.
Automobile
Sales, New and Used
State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Bureau of Occupational Licensing
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 229-0370
Sale of new or used automobiles, including wholesale,
requires a permit from the DMV. You
will need to submit proof of correct zoning to obtain this license. Fees
vary with the level of activity involved, with a minimum fee range of
approximately $200 to $500.
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State Income Tax/Corporate Income Tax
State Franchise
Tax Board
3321 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
800-852-5711
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Business
Consulting Resources
The services listed below are not endorsed by the
City of Sacramento, but are provided for your convenience.
Accountants Referral Service
(Sponsored by the society of California Accountants)
(916) 649-6744
Better
Business Bureau
3075 Beacon Blvd.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 443-6843
Lawyer Referral Service
(Sponsored by the Sacramento County Bar Association)
(916) 444-2333
Service
Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
4990 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95820
(916) 635-9085
Small
Business Administration (Federal government program)
Sacramento, CA District Office
6501 Sylvan Road, suite 100
Citrus Heights , CA 95610
(916) 735-1700
Provides counseling and support for small businesses
with a range of financial and training services, as well as seminars.
Contact the local office for a listing of programs and workshops
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
(Sponsored by Los Rios Community College District)
1410 Ethan Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 563-3210
Provides technical and management assistance to
small businesses in the Greater Sacramento Area.
Center
for International Trade Development (Sponsored by Los Rios Community College District)
1410 Ethan Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 563-3200
California
Small Business Office
State Department of Procurement/DGS
707 3rd Street, 1st floor, room 400
West Sacramento , CA 95605
(916) 374-4940
Provides advice, brochures and general assistance
to small businesses throughout California.
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Financial Resources
Commercial
Revitalization Program
SHRA
Development Services
630 I Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 440-1328 office
The
CRP is targeted to the commercial corridors of redevelopment areas and
revitalization target areas. It offers façade improvement rebates, low-interest
loans and free technical services to upgrade storefronts and commercial
buildings and improve property values.
Grow
Sacramento Fund
Sacramento
Housing and Redevelopment Agency
630 I Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 440-1350
This
fund was established by SHRA and SMUD to provide long-term attractive
financing to assist small businesses in the City and County of Sacramento.
Funds can be used for acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of a
building, leasehold improvements, equipment and long-term working capital.
Enterprise
Zones
Sacramento
Housing and Redevelopment Agency
630 I Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 440-1300
Sacramento's
enterprise zones allow certified businesses located in the zones to receive
a variety of benefits and state tax credits. Estimates show that firms
can increase their net profits up to an additional 15% by participating
in the enterprise zone program.
Brownfields
Sacramento
Housing and Redevelopment Agency
630 I Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 440-1399
This
program provides reduced-rate financing to property owners and developers
for the cleanup of hazardous materials (excluding petroleum). Eligible
areas are properties within the North Sacramento, Oak Park, Richards Boulevard
and Stockton Boulevard redevelopment areas and the R Street Corridor.
State
Loan Guarantee Program
California
Capital
2000 O Street, suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-1729
The
California Loan Guarantee Program enables a small business to obtain a
term loan or line of credit when it cannot otherwise qualify for a loan.
The guarantees are issued on behalf of the state by any one of eight nonprofit
corporations throughout California.
SBA
Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program
Greater
Sacramento Certified Development Corporation
5428 Watt Avenue
Sacramento CA 95660-4945
(916) 339-1096
The
Small Business Administration's 504 Certified Development Corporation
(CDC) Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing
for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings.
SBA
7(A) Short Term and Revolving Lines of Credit CAPLines Program
SBA
- Sacramento
6501 Sylvan Road, suite 100
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 735-1700
CAPLines
is the umbrella Program under which the SBA helps small businesses meet
their short-term and cyclical working-capital needs. A CAPLines loan can
be for any dollar amount.
Sacramento
Regional Recycling Market Development Zone (SRRMDZ)
Business
Environmental Resource Center (BERC)
(916) 364-4110
The
Sacramento Regional Recycling Market Development Zone (SRRMDZ) encompasses
all of Sacramento County and the City of West Sacramento's Enterprise
Zone in Yolo County. The RMDZ program offers financial, technical, and
marketing incentives to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
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Business Inquiries/Economic Information
Land,
market data, business inquiries, financial packaging and economic data
for the City and County of Sacramento
City
of Sacramento
Economic
Development Department
New City Hall - 915 Street, 3rd floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7223
County
of Sacramento
Office
of Economic Development
700 H Street, Room 7650
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5220
State
of California
Department
of Technology, Trade and Commerce
P.O. Box 1810
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 454-4311
Sacramento
Area Commerce & Trade Organization (SACTO)
400
Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-2144
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Greater
Sacramento Area Chambers of Commerce
Asian
Pacific Chamber of Commerce
2012 H Street, suite 202
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 446-7883
Black
Chamber of Commerce
2655 Del Monte Street
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916)374-9355
California
Chamber of Commerce
1215 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-6670
Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce
1491 River Park Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 486-7700
North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 15468
Sacramento, CA 95851
(916) 925-6773
Sacramento
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
One Capitol Mall, suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 552-6800
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City of Sacramento Commercial
Revitalization Areas
12th Street
Sacramento
Housing & Redevelopment Agency (SHRA)
600 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95184
(916) 440-1390
16th Street
Economic
Development Department
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 3rd floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7223
Downtown
Sacramento
Contact:Leslie Frtizsche
Downtown
Development Division
New City Hall - 915 I Street, 3rd floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7223
or
Michael Ault
Downtown Sacramento
Partnership
980 Ninth Street, suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-8575
Florin Road
Florin Road Partnership
P.O. Box 231817
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 424-4230
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Business
Improvement Associations
Folsom Boulevard (East)
Tredware International
8354 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 388-6654
Franklin Boulevard
5383 Franklin Blvd., suite F
Sacramento, CA 95820
(916) 455-2124
Mack Road
7880 Alta Valley # 205
Sacramento, CA 95832
Marysville Boulevard
920 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 923-6200
Meadowview
7419 Henrietta Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916)440-1399, ext. 1415
Midtown Business District Association
P.O. Box 161147
Sacramento, CA 95816
Northgate Boulevard
1143 N. Market Blvd., suite 2
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 564-7436
Oak Park
676 6th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
Power Inn BTA
3801 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 453-8888
Richards Blvd.
424 North 7th Street, 2nd floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916)321-5599
Stockton Boulevard
Stockton Blvd. Partnership
5625 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95824
(916) 454-2469
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Public
Utilities
AT&T (Formerly SBCl)
Business Customer Service
(916) 811-4244 or (800) 464-2202
Information and assistance concerning new and existing service changes, programs and rates for local service.
Pacific Gas & Electric
5555 Florin-Perkins Road
Sacramento, CA 95826-4870
(916) 383-2323
Information regarding
gas installation, conservation, construction programs and rates.
Sacramento
Municipal Utility District
6201 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95817-1891
(916) 732-6140
Electric service installation, hook-ups, energy conservation
and construction programs and utility rates.
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EMPLOYMENT
TRAINING RESOURCES
SETA/PIC
(Sacramento Employment and Training Agency/Private Industry Council)
925 Del Paso Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 263-3800
Free employee recruitment services for employers, on-the-job
training programs, Welfare-to-Work tax credits, and customized classroom
training information.
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