Marina Business Guide

Mandatory Business Recycling

Did you know that California State Law AB 341 (2011) requires commercial entities that generate four or more cubic yards of waste per week and all multi-family complexes of five or more units to implement recycling programs? For more information, please visit:

Protect Your Central Coast on Mandatory Commercial Recycling;

GreenWaste Recovery on Regulatory Requirements for Businesses;

California State Law AB 1826 (2014) also requires commercial entities that generate specified amount of organic materials, such as green waste and food waste, to recycle these materials. For more information on the law and how to comply in Marina, please visit

GreenWaste Recovery on Regulatory Requirements for Businesses;

Business Requirements and Resources on Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling by CalRecycle.

Is your manufacturing business compliant with the State Water Resource Control Board?

View the fact sheet which provides a brief overview of key concepts of this environmental compliance update.

Establishing a Business in Marina

We are pleased that you have selected the City of Marina to establish your business.   The City of Marina is dedicated to helping businesses thrive. We understand and appreciate the positive impact that successful growing businesses have on our community.

The following information is provided to assist you with the process of establishing your business in Marina. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the process outlined below. Please note that this process varies depending on your business type.

The Economic Development staff is available to answer questions,  provide assistance and guide you through the permitting assistance process.   We encourage you to check in regularly regarding your progress.

Economic Development Division
211 Hillcrest Avenue
Marina, CA 93933
831-884-1211

1. Cal Coastal SBDC - Create a Business Plan 

There is no way to eliminate all the risk associated with starting a business. However, you can improve your chances of success with proper planning and preparation. A good way to start is by creating a Business Plan. The following resource partners can help you with this process.  Go to Cal Coastal for assistance. 

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA has a large number of programs and services to help your business start, grow and succeed.
San Francisco District Office
455 Market Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105-2420
415-744-6820
SBA Help Desk 800-827-5722
Small Business Administration (SBA) Website

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE provides training, mentoring and free counseling services to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Monterey Bay SCORE

2. Check City of Marina Zoning Regulations

Before you sign a lease or apply for any business permit, it is important that you check with the Marina Planning Services Division to ensure that the proposed use is allowed on the property. Some uses may require additional permits, while some may not be allowed at all. Most businesses will only require Planning Division preliminary review (an over the counter procedure), while some will be required to go through environmental review and obtain a use permit (up to a 2-6 month process involving a public hearing).

To determine if your business is allowed at a specific location, please complete the Business Application and Permit Inquiry Online Form.

3. Decide on a Business Structure

If you will be establishing a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, you must register with the Secretary of State.

California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 950814
916-657-5448
California Secretary of State Website

4. Register a Fictitious Name

If you intend to name your firm anything other than your own name, you must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the County Clerk.

Monterey County Recorder-County Clerk
168 W Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901
831-755-5450 or from Monterey Peninsula 831-647-7850
Monterey County Recorder-County Clerk Website

5. Get a Business License

The City of Marina requires that any person who transacts and carries on any business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the City, or who provides a service within the city, procure a Business License with the Finance Department and pay the appropriate fees. Visit the Business License webpage to learn about the process of obtaining a business license and to download a business license application.

City of Marina Finance Department
211 Hillcrest Avenue, Marina, CA 93933
831-884-1274
Mon-Tues-Thurs-Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Email City of Marina Finance Department

6. Obtain Important Permits 

In addition to City of Marina permits, you may need permits or licenses from regional, state, and federal agencies. Please see  The State of California  Cal Gold GO BIZ permit website    permitting website.

City of Marina Applications and Permits Before you sign a lease or apply for any business permit, it is important that you understand the permit and application process for your business. Depending on your business, it may require a brief review process (an over the counter procedure), or it may require a more lengthy review process(up to a 2-6 month process involving a public hearing).

City Staff can help you understand your review process. Before you call, however, please read this page completely. Then, Contact City staff by completing the Business Application and Permit Inquiry form. A staff member will then review your information and contact you. The following City of Marina permits may be necessary for your business:

Use Permit

Before you sign a lease or apply for any business permit check with the Marina Planning Division to ensure that the proposed use is allowed on the property. The easiest way to inquire is to complete this Business Application and Permit Inquiry form. Many businesses will only require Planning Services Division administrative reviews (an over-the counter procedure) while some may require more time.

Each parcel in the City has been assigned a zoning designation that describes which land uses are permitted outright and which land uses require a use permit. Depending on the type of use and zone, the Community Development Director and/or the Planning Commission is responsible for approving a use permit.

Design Review

Any changes or alterations to the exterior of a commercial building or parking lot will require design review approval. If you have questions regarding design review, please complete the Business Application and Permit Inquiry form and a staff member will respond.

Sign Permit

Before ordering or installing a new sign or modifying an existing sign for your business, please complete the Business Application and Permit Inquiry form, so staff to review and respond to your inquiry in a timely manner. Most signs require approval by Planning. Some may require administrative design review, while other multi-tenant commercial buildings may require a sign program, approved by the Design Review Board. All temporary signs, such as banners, require prior approval and are limited to 30 days.

Home Occupation Permit

Applications for Home Occupation permits are processed by the Planning Services Division. Applications should be submitted prior to applying for a business license. To get started, complete the Business Application and Permit Inquiry form.

City of Marina Building Permit

A Building Permit is needed for all new construction in Marina. In most cases, a permit is also required for replacement of existing construction, additions, remodeling and commercial tenant improvements. Building Permits are how the city regulates construction to ensure it is safe for occupancy and use. If you are thinking of signing a lease, buying/renovating a building or new construction, contact the City of Marina.

Fire Department Permits

A permit from the fire department is required to maintain, store, use or handle materials, or to conduct processes which produce conditions hazardous to life, property, or to install equipment used in connection with such activities as defined in the California Fire Code. To determine if your business needs a fire permit, complete the Business Application and Permit Inquiry form.

Police Department Permits

Permits are occasionally required by the police department for specific businesses. To determine if your business needs a police department permit, Complete the Business Application and Permit Inquiry form.

CPTED Program

The Marina Police Department, in a cooperative effort with other City departments, builders and developers, reviews and makes recommendations on building projects within the City in order to “build out crime” through a crime prevention system called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. To learn more about CPTED, call the Marina PD at 831-884-1229.

Regional and County Permits

Certain businesses which handle food (sale, preparation) need approval by the Monterey County Health Department. This approval is designed to ensure compliance with County sanitation codes. Food preparation is not allowed under a home occupation permit.

Monterey County Health Department
Environmental Health Division
1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Tel 831-647-7654

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health

To sell alcoholic beverages from your business, obtain an Alcoholic Beverage License.

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
1137 Westridge Parkway, Salinas, CA 93907
831-755-1990
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Website

If your business discharges matter into the air, a permit from the Monterey Bay Air Quality Management District may be required.

Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District
24580 Silver Cloud Court, Monterey, CA 93940
831-647-9411
Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Website

Businesses may be required to report equipment, fixtures, supplies and leasehold improvements held for business use.

County Of Monterey Assessor's Office
Business Property Division
240 Church Street, West Wing 2nd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
831-755-5035

State Permits

Wholesale and Retail Businesses: If you business will involve sales, you will need to obtain a Seller’s Permit from the State Board of Equalization

California State Board of Equalization
111 E Navajo Dr., Ste. 100. Salinas, CA 93906-2452,
831-443-3003. FAX 831-443-3131
800-735-2929
California State Board of Equalization Website

Utilities

Water: Marina Coast Water District
11 Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933
831-384-6131
Marina Coast Water District Website

Gas and Electricity: Pacific Gas and Electric
2311 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940
800-743-5000
Pacific Gas and Electric Website

Curbside Refuse/Trash Collection/Recycling:
GreenWaste Recovery, Inc.
GreenWaste Recovery, Inc. Website

Landfill Disposal/Household Hazardous Waste/Recycling
Monterey Regional Waste Management District
14201 Del Monte Boulevard, Marina CA 93933
831-384-5313
Monterey Regional Waste Management District Website

Mandatory Recycling Law

Did you know that California State Law AB 341 (2011) requires commercial entities that generate four or more cubic yards of waste per week and all multi-family complexes of five or more units to implement recycling programs? For more information, please visit:

Protect Your Central Coast on Mandatory Commercial Recycling;

GreenWaste Recovery on Regulatory Requirements for Businesses;

or CalRecycle on Mandatory Commercial Recycling.

California State Law AB 1826 (2014) also requires commercial entities that generate specified amount of organic materials, such as green waste and food waste, to recycle these materials. For more information on the law and how to comply in Marina, please visit

GreenWaste Recovery on Regulatory Requirements for Businesses;

Business Requirements and Resources on Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling by CalRecycle.

7. If You Will Have Employees

Federal Identification Numbers
Internal Revenue Service
800-829-1040
Internal Revenue Service Website

State Employer Identification Number
Employment Tax Office
916-654-8706
888-745-3886
Employment Tax Office Website

Pay Employee Taxes
For employment regarding employee withholdings, self-employment tax and other business tax withholdings contact the Internal Revenue Service.

Internal Revenue Service
928 E Blanco Road, Salinas, CA 93908
831-753-6895
Internal Revenue Service Website

Workers Compensation 

Workers compensation insurance is required for all California employers. Premiums are based on the job each employee performs and their total wages. In California most small employers are insured by the State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund).

State Compensation Insurance Fund
877-405-4545
State Compensation Insurance Fund Website

8. Recruit and Train Employees

The Employment Services branch of Montery County Department of Social Services provides assistance to employers and job seekers through a continuum of comprehensive employment related Services. Services are provided through CalWorKS, the office for employment training (OET), the Workforce investment Board (WIB), and in partnership with the employment Development Department (EDD) at our three one-Stop Career Centers located in Salinas, King City, and Seaside.

9. Open a Checking Account for Your Business 

Separate business and personal accounting is essential when you file your tax return. Contact the financial institution of your choice directly.