Hello Tucker5-ga, and thanks for your question.
Operating a small business anywhere in the country is quite a
challenge, perhaps nowhere moreso than in California. Fortunately,
the State of California runs a very helpful website called Calgold
that is intended to help navigate local/state/federal regulatory maze,
especially for small business.
The site is at:
www.calgold.ca.gov
Once there, you can search for regulations for a particular business
type. The system also asks for the business location, so I choose
"Los Angeles" (you can easily re-run the search for a different
location if you so desire).
For a gas station in Los Angeles, then, the actual search results are
here:
http://www.calgold.ca.gov/Results1.asp?TYPE=5540&CNTY=19&CITY=262
It's quite a list! Interestingly, the only stand-alone insurance
provision is a requirement to maintain Workers Comp insurance.
HOWEVER, I have not investigated the detailed requirements of each and
every permit on the list here -- it may well be that one or more of
the permits requires certain types of insurance before it will be
issued.
Calgold reports that the following regulations and licenses apply to
gas stations (you'll need to visit the link above to actually click on
the links to the individual regulatory agencies mentioned below):
City
Building and Construction Permit: Required for all new and remodeling
construction, including change of occupancy.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
Building and Safety/Planning
Los Angeles Office
201 N. Figueroa
Los Angeles, CA 90012
1-888-524-2845
Notes: Additional location: Van Nuys District Office, 14425 Erwin
Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401. 818-756-8257,
Burglar Alarm Permit: A permit must be obtained from this department
for any businesses requiring a burglar alarm or security system.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
City Clerk's Office
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-626-9271
Notes: Additional location: City Clerk's Van Nuys Office 14401
Erwin Street Mall Van Nuys, CA 91401 818-756-8531
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Business License (Business Tax Certificate): Required for all entities
doing business within city limits. See "County Unincorporated" for
businesses located outside of city limits.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
Office of City Clerk/Finance
Tax Registration Certificate
201 North Figueroa St.
3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-626-9271
Notes: Additional locations: City Clerk's Van Nuys Office, 14401
Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401, 818-756-8531. And at the Los
Angeles City Clerk's Office at 201 North Main Street, Room 101; Los
Angeles, CA 90012, 213-626-9271
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Fire Department Permit - Fire Protection: All businesses subject to
annual inspection of facility.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
City Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Section, Tax & Permit Division
200 North Main Street
Room 970
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-485-7408
Notes: Entire process requires approximately 2 months. Fire
Department effort usually requires approximately 2 weeks. Annual cost
is based on number of different hazardous materials inventory items.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Hazardous Materials/Waste Management Program: The CUPA agency/division
is responsible for consolidation of 6 Program elements: Hazardous
waste/generator treatment; Underground storage tanks, Hazardous
Materials Release; Accidental Release Prevention; Above ground tank
Spill Prevention; and Hazardous Material Management - for businesses
handling, storing or generating hazardous materials.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
City Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Section, Tax & Permit Division
200 North Main Street
Room 970
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-485-7408
Notes: Entire process requires approximately 2 months. Fire
Department effort usually requires approximately 2 weeks. Annual cost
is based on number of different hazardous materials inventory items.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit: Required by most businesses
discharging wastewater to the sewer system. Certain areas may be
regulated by the County Department of Public Works.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
Bureau of Sanitation
Industrial Wastewater Permits Office
4590 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039-0000
213-485-5886
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Land Use Permit: Zone change, variance,conditional use permit.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
Planning Department
Los Angeles Office
201 North Figueroa Street, 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
1-888-524-2845
Notes: Notes: Additional location: Van Nuys Office Building &
Safety/Zoning 14425 Erwin Street Mall Van Nuys, CA 91401 818-756-8257
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Underground Storage Tank Permit: Please contact environmental
protection director.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
Fire Department
200 North Main Street,
City Hall East, Room 970
Los Angeles, CA 90012-0000
213-485-8080
Notes: Los Angeles City Fire Department - CUPA Program
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Zoning Approval: Permitted uses, development regulations, design
review, sign permit, parking regulations.
Contact: City of Los Angeles
Planning Department
Los Angeles Office
201 North Figueroa Street, 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
1-888-524-2845
Notes: Notes: Additional location: Van Nuys Office Building &
Safety/Zoning 14425 Erwin Street Mall Van Nuys, CA 91401 818-756-8257
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Go directly to City, County, State, Federal, or Other permit sections
County
Business Personal Property: Property used in the operation of a
business such as machinery, equipment, trade fixtures, etc. is taxable
and subject to assessment. Business operations need to file a Business
Property Statement annually with the Assessor declaring property on
hand as of January 1 of each year. Generally those businesses with
personal property and fixtures with a cost less that $100,000 are not
required to file a property statement.
Contact: County of Los Angeles
Office of the Assessor
Business Personal Property Assessments
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-974-8613
Notes: The Valley office is located at 13800 Balboa Blvd., Sylmar,
91342. Phone: 818-833-6000
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Fictitious Name Filing (DBA): Required if fictitious name is used.
Contact: County of Los Angeles
Business Name Filing and Registration
12400 East Imperial Highway
Room 1007
Norwalk, CA 90650
562-462-2177
Notes: Notes: Additional location: 14340 Sylvan Street, 1st Floor
Van Nuys, CA 91401 818-374-7191 Name search can be completed on the
Internet.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Weights and Measures: Businesses using scales, fuel pumps, electronic
or manual price lookup scanner devices,taxi meters or other measuring
devices must ensure proper calibration and pass inspections.
Contact: County of Los Angeles
Agricultural Commissioner
Weights & Measures
For office locations...
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Regional
Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate: Stationary sources of air
emissions from specific types of equipment, industrial processes,
paints and solvents and some consumer products, must be permitted.
Contact: South Coast Air Quality Management District
21865 East Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-0000
800-388-2121
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
State
Air Tanks Permit: Required of all businesses using (1) pressurized
tanks with a volume greater than 1.5 cubic feet and containing greater
than 150 PSI (pounds per square inch) of air; (2) Steam boilers over
15 PSI; or (3) retail stationary propane tanks.
Contact: Department of Industrial Relations
Pressure Vessel Unit-South
2100 E. Katella Ave.
Suite 280
Anaheim, Ca 92806
714-939-0434
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Automobile Repair Dealer Registration: Required of any person or
entity that performs automotive repairs, including mobile mechanics.
Contact: Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10220 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95814
800-952-5210
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering
becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited
liability company or a partnership (limited, limited liability, or
general) , you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.
Contact: Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-657-5448
Notes: Also, if you are conducting business as one of the
following, you must file a bond with the Secretary of State's Office:
immigration consultant,credit services organization, dance studio,
discount buying organization, employment agency, employment counseling
service, invention developer, job listing service, nurses registry, or
auctioneer or auction company.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Discrimination Law: Harassment or discrimination in employment is
prohibited if it is based on a person's race, ancestry, national
origin, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation,
religion, physical disability (including AIDS), mental disability,
marital status, medical condition (cured cancer), and refusal of
family care leave. Discrimination in housing, public services and
accommodations is also prohibited.
Contact: Department of Fair Employment and Housing
611 West Sixth Street, 15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
1-800-884-1684
Notes: Employers must post the Harassment or Discrimination in
Employment notice (DFEH 162) and provide their employees with a copy
of the DFEH's information sheet on sexual harassment (DEFH 185) or a
statement that contains equivalent information. Employers must also
provide notice for an employee's right to request pregnancy disability
leave or transfer, as well as notice to request a family and medical
care leave (CFRA). Employers with 5 or more employees must maintain
all personnel records for a minimum of 2 years.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Industrial Activities Storm Water General Permit: National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. CAS000001
includes waste discharge requirements for discharges of storm water
associated with industrial activities, excluding construction
activities.
Contact: Cal/EPA
Water Resources Control Board
For office locations... Notes: For discharges of wastewater
other than to a sanitary or industrial sewer, contact the Regional
Water Quality Control Board in your Region to determine waste
discharge requirements and if the filing of a Report of Waste
Discharge is necessary.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Occupational Safety and Health Information: Businesses with employees
must prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. The state provides
a no-fee consultation service to assist employers with preventing
unsafe working conditions and workplace hazards.
Contact: Cal/OSHA Consultation Services
320 W. Fourth Street
Room 850
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-576-7451
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Registration Form for Employers: Required to file a registration form
within 15 days after paying more than $100.00 in wages to one or more
employees. No distinction is made between full-time and part-time or
permanent and temporary employees in meeting this requirement.
Contact: Employment Development Department
Employment Tax Customer Service Office
For office locations...
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or
leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit.
Contact: State Board of Equalization
Sales/ Use Tax Division
For office locations... Notes: For Additional information about
RESALE CERTIFICATE go to this website:
www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/faqresale.htm
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Smog Check Technician License: Required of personnel that perform
State smog check tests at licensed smog check stations.
Contact: Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
For office locations...
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Smog Station License: Required of smog check stations
Contact: Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
For office locations...
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
State EPA Identification Number: Required of businesses that generate,
surrender to be transported, transport, treat, or dispose of hazardous
waste.
Contact: Department of Toxic Substances Control
Generator Information Services
8810 Cal Center Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95826
916-255-1136
800-618-6942
Notes: DTSC issues State Generator EPA ID Numbers. You may be
referred to Federal EPA if you generate over 100 kg per month of RCRA
waste (1-415-495-8895) or 1 *800) 6186942 or outside California (916)
255=1136
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate
State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.
Contact: Franchise Tax Board
333 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Room 200
Burbank, CA 91502-1170
800-852-5711
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate
State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.
Contact: Franchise Tax Board
Business Entities Division
P.O. Box 942857
Sacramento, CA 94257
1-800-852-5711
916-845-4543
Notes: All businesses are required to submit a Business Income Tax
statement annually.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Underground Storage Tank Fee: If you own an underground storage tank,
you must register with BOE and pay a fee for various petroleum
products placed into your tank.
Contact: State Board of Equalization
Special Tax Department
Fuel Taxes Division, Fuel Industry Section, MIC:30
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0030
916-322-9669
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Wage/Hour Laws: Businesses with employees must comply with laws
establishing minimum standards for wages, hours and working
conditions.
Contact: Department of Industrial Relations
Labor Standards Enforcement
For office locations...
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR's): Any facility or activity that
discharges, or proposes to discharge, waste that may affect
groundwater quality or from which waste may be discharged in a
diffused manner (e.g., erosion from soil disturbance) must first
obtain waste discharge requirements
Contact: Cal/EPA
Water Resources Control Board
For office locations... Notes: For discharges of wastewater
other than to a sanitary or industrial sewer, contact the Regional
Water Quality Control Board in your Region to determine waste
discharge requirements and if the filing of a Report of Waste
Discharge is necessary.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Workers' Compensation Information: Businesses with employees must
maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage on either a
self-insured basis, or provided through a commercial carrier, or the
State Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund.
Contact: Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Workers' Compensation
320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-576-7389
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Federal
Employer Identification Number (EIN or SSN): Employers with employees,
business partnerships, and corporations, must obtain an Employer
Identification Number from the I.R.S. Businesses can obtain
appropriate Federal income tax forms from this location.
Contact: US Department of Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
300 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
800-829-1040
Notes: EIN Application Form (SS-4) can be obtained from local IRS
or Social Security Offices. The San Fernando Valley IRS office is
located at the Federal Building, 6230 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys (1st
Floor)
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Proof of Residency Requirement: Employees hired after November 6, 1986
must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Contact: US Immigration and Naturalization Service
Federal Building
For office locations... Notes: The INS will provide employers
the requirements for establishing proof of residency of employees.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
--------------------
[NOTE from pafalafa-ga: in addition to permit requirements, CalGold
also returns links to sites that can offer assistance to small
businesses -- I have included them below]:
Other
Consulting, Training and Financial Assistance: A local SBDC may be
able to provide information and assistance to basic business
questions. Consultation services may include examination of business
opportunities, preparation of business plans, development of marketing
skills and location of financial assistance. Some sessions may be free
of charge.
Contact: California Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
1102 Q Street, Suite 6000
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-324-5068
916-303-6600
Notes: For local SBDC office locations go to website - Homepage -
Business & Community Resources - Small Businesses - Listing of SBDC
Offices by Name..
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Consulting, Training and Financial Assistance: A local SBDC may be
able to provide information and assistance to basic business
questions. Consultation services may include examination of business
opportunities, preparation of business plans, development of marketing
skills and location of financial assistance. Some sessions may be free
of charge.
Contact: Small Business Administration - SBA
,
Notes: Regional SBA offices offer training, consultation, business
development, and loan approval services.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Consulting/Training/Financial Assistance: Consultation, information,
assistance and seminars on various aspects of business operations.
Some sessions are offered at no charge.
Contact: Small Business Development Center
10221 Compton Ave., Suite 103
Los Angeles, CA 90002
213-473-5111
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Consulting/Training/Financial Assistance: Consultation, information,
assistance and seminars on various aspects of business operations.
Some sessions are offered at no charge.
Contact: North Los Angeles County SBDC
5121 Van Nuys Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Van Nuys, CA 91403-2100
818-907-9922
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Consulting/Training/Financial Assistance: Consultation, information,
assistance and seminars on various aspects of business operations.
Some sessions are offered at no charge.
Contact: Eastern Los Angeles SBDC
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
330 N. Brand Blvd.
Suite 190
Glendale, CA 91023
818-552-3206
818-552-3321
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Consulting/Training/Financial Assistance: Consultation, information,
assistance and seminars on various aspects of business operations.
Some sessions are offered at no charge.
Contact: Export SBDC
222 North Sepulveda
Suite 1690
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-606-0166
Notes: Serving export clients in Los Angeles.
Applies to: Gasoline Service Station
Service Corps of Retired Executives Association (SCORE): Retired
executives provide guidance, management counseling and training to
first-time entrepreneurs and current small business owners
Contact: Service Corps of Retired Executives Association (SCORE)
For office locations...
----------
If anything about this answer is not clear, or if you need additional
information, please don't hesitate to post a Request for
Clarification, and I'll be glad to assist you further. |
