Rules and licenses
California rules often split between a state agency and a local office. These routes cover permits, licenses, water, courts, records, and the paperwork that moves between them.
Showing page 7 of 13 for this California topic shelf.
Local note · Last reviewed July 4, 2026
Visalia's Permit Counter page gives several ways to submit permits and building plans, including in person, drop box, and online file drop.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 4, 2026
Vista business license applications go through staff and Development Services for zoning clearance, with online options to apply, renew, close, or pay.
1 source
Statewide note · Last reviewed July 14, 2026
The right office depends on the record: county recorders handle many birth, death, and public marriage copies; confidential marriages and divorce decrees use different doors.
3 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 4, 2026
Walnut Creek business licenses can depend on city limits, zoning, home occupation permits, use permits, and online permit tools, so the address should be checked early.
3 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 4, 2026
West Covina's business page links the business license portal, permit pages, resource guides, and starting-a-business help in one place.
1 source
Local note · Last reviewed July 4, 2026
Whittier 365 gives residents one place for city notifications and non-emergency requests, including categories for code enforcement, graffiti, traffic, public works, parks, trash, water, and sewer items.
1 source
Local note · Last reviewed July 4, 2026
Whittier offers online renewal for many businesses, while new businesses, out-of-city contractors, and special situations may need the business license office or related city review.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Bakersfield business tax certificates start with the city, separate from county DBA filings, state seller's permits, and project permits.
1 source
Statewide note · Last reviewed July 14, 2026
Report a new address to DMV within 10 days, verify the Motor Voter result, and separately update utilities, tax records, and local accounts.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Fresno County fictitious business name filings start with the County Clerk, separate from city business tax, seller's permits, and state filings.
1 source
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Marin County fictitious business name filings create a public DBA record, separate from city, county, and state business steps.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
San Bernardino County fictitious business name filings start with the Recorder-Clerk, separate from city business licenses and state tax accounts.
1 source
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Santa Clara County fictitious business name filings start with the Clerk-Recorder, with search, filing, renewal, and publishing steps to check.
1 source
Statewide note · Last reviewed July 14, 2026
Selling taxable tangible personal property generally requires a free CDTFA seller's permit; local licenses, zoning, and trade permits remain separate.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Solano County fictitious business name filings start with the County Clerk and do not replace local license or permit checks.
1 source
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Ventura County fictitious business name filings help create a public name record, separate from city or county business license steps.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Hayward residents can use Access Hayward to report many city problems, ask questions, or send suggestions, with code enforcement and appearance concerns routed from the same official service area.
1 source
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Rocklin residents can use Access Rocklin for many regular city issues, while utilities are mostly handled by outside providers listed on the city utilities page.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
ACT Chula Vista lets residents submit many non-emergency city service requests through a mobile app or web tool, including public works and other neighborhood issues.
3 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Alameda County fictitious business name filings usually start with the county clerk when the principal place of business is in Alameda County.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder errands are easier when you first name whether you need a birth, death, marriage, recorded property document, fictitious business name, notary filing, or public record search.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Los Angeles County fictitious business name filings are handled by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, separate from city business tax, seller's permits, and state business filings.
2 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Anaheim Anytime and Anaheim 311 help residents report many non-emergency city issues, including graffiti, abandoned items, streetlight outages, and other neighborhood service needs.
3 sources
Local note · Last reviewed July 3, 2026
Apple Valley manages trash billing, while Burrtec handles missed pickups, containers, bulky items, and other trash or recycling service concerns.
2 sources
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