Part of Business Find a location for your business Assess factors like demographics, safety, traffic, zoning and building requirements, and accessibility. Resources Home-based business Home-based businesses are some of the simplest businesses to set up in San Francisco. Many only require a business registration. However, they still must follow the rules set by the Planning Department in the San Francisco Planning Code. Find a commercial location for your business Ready to start scouting out that perfect space? Create a clear vision of what you want and need. You can do research online, at the library, talking with locals and realtors, and most importantly, walking the neighborhood yourself. Zoning for businesses Before you commit to a location, every location has zoning laws defining where you can or can’t legally operate a business. The SF Planning Department enforces these zoning regulations (called the Planning Code), reviews projects and proposals for compliance, and issues certain permits. Buy an existing business This information is about buying an existing business or transferring ownership. Next step Continue in the Step by step guide to starting a business in San Francisco Register your business Go back Return to the Step by step guide to starting a business in San Francisco Departments Office of Small Business Office of Economic and Workforce Development