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This page will help you understand the steps to opening a retail store in San Francisco. It is a resource from the Office of Small Business, San Francisco's central point of information for small businesses.
Choose a location
Choose a location
- Find a location that the Planning Code allows.
- Contact the Office of Small Business. Small Business Permit Specialists can help you understand the zoning requirements for your proposed location.
- Email sfosb@sfgov.org
- Call 628-652-4949
- Schedule an in-person appointment at the Permit Center at 49 South Van Ness Ave
- Note: Taking over a space that was previously a retail shop can save time and construction costs
- Contact the Office of Small Business. Small Business Permit Specialists can help you understand the zoning requirements for your proposed location.
- Determine if you need to make changes to your space. Before signing a lease, you can speak with the Office of Small Business' permit specialists to help you work with City agencies to understand building code requirements for your space.
- Review Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to make sure your business is accessible.
- Note: Your landlord is required to provide information about the accessibility of the building, in case it needs renovations.
- Review and sign your lease. Leases can be tricky, so review the lease carefully before signing. Contact the Office of Small Business to get help reviewing your lease. If you need legal assistance:
- Bar Association of San Francisco's Lawyer Referral and Information Service or at 415-989-1616
- Legal Services for Entrepreneurs or at 415-543-9444 x217
Set up your business
Set up your business
- Create a plan for the type of store you will open.
- Choose a business structure. LLCs, Corporations and Limited Partnerships must register their structure with the CA Secretary of State before registering locally.
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax ID Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is used to identify your business and allows you to hire employees. If you are a sole proprietor without employees, you may choose to use your Social Security Number instead. Learn how to register your business.
- Register your business in San Francisco through the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector.
- Note: If you register your business before choosing a final location, you will have to update your registration with the new address. This can cost money and time.
- Choose and file a business name. File a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement at the SF Office of the County Clerk if you will be using a name other than your given name, the names of your partners, or the officially registered name of your LLC or corporation. Research the name's availability in the county before filing.
- Apply for a Seller's Permit from the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Every location must have this permit to sell taxable goods.
Prepare your space
Prepare your space
- Small businesses can get one-on-one permitting help through the Office of Small Business
- For new construction: Submit plans and documents to the SF Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Be prepared to work with an architect or designer to create your building project plans.
- View DBI plan specifications
- Visit DBI's Technical Services Counter at 49 South Van Ness (Permit Center) or email TechQ@sfgov.org for questions about building codes
- Identify any hazardous materials that you will store, handle or use. Storing hazardous materials may require modifications to your space and approval from the Fire Department and/or the SF Department of Public Health. Your staff will also need to be licensed to handle or use any hazardous materials.
- Note: If you store hazardous materials, DPH will conduct inspections at least every three years, but you must also complete quarterly self-inspections.
- Gas and electric services: If your business needs new or additional gas or electric services, contact PG&E Building and Renovation Services to start the application process.
- Signs: If you want to install or change a canopy or sign on the outside of the building, ensure you comply with Planning Department and DBI sign guidelines.
- Note: Awning permit fees are waived each year during the month of May. You can qualify if you submit your permit application during the month of May. Ask for the permit fee waiver from Planning Department and DBI.
After opening
After opening
- Post all required posters and permits including, but not limited to, No Smoking signs, minimum wage information, and health inspection results.
- Mark your calendar. Schedule equipment maintenance and set reminders to renew your permits and licenses as needed.
- Prepare and pay your local, state, and federal taxes. Learn more from these departments: