If you operate a business or profession in California, are looking to start one, or are based elsewhere and need help doing business in the Sunshine State, web-based resources — both government and private — can help the information on codes and regulations in california that you need..

Nationally focused resources can't generally answer state-specific questions about CA codes and regulations for business, which tend to be state and local matters. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, building code, California labor code, employment, economic development and other California regulations reside within state level agencies.

Ironically, however, finding the right resources specific to California can often be even more difficult than finding national resources, as local solutions tend to live in many different places. Here are your basic options for getting the answers you need on California codes and regulations for business and professions:

1. State of California government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
3. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations in California that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options.
4. State and local offices of federal agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in California.

Here's where you can find the help you need:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use California's gateway website for business matters

The state government's gateway is the California Business Portal, which offers one-click links to California codes, regulations, business search, forms, tax information, technical assistance and more.

I recommend: The California Business Portal can connect you quickly to 29 different California Codes, on everything from corporations code, health and safety code and California labor code, to commercial code, California penal code and unemployment insurance code. You'll also find California Regulations, which includes California's Code of Regulations, news on California rulemaking, administrative procedures and a state agency index. The portal can also guide you to forms, samples and fees, business tax information and business resources in California.

Find California code regulations on wages, hours, overtime and other labor issues

The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) handles wage claims, work complaints and other labor code issues important to small business.

I recommend: The DLSE's detailed Q&A on wage, overtime and related issues can answer many of your questions on California labor and employment regulations. The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has answers on Workers' Comp, safety & health, labor law, apprenticeships, mediation services and more.

Find info on environmental, regulatory and other permit requirements

A program called CalGOLD delivers direct Internet links and contact information to the state, local, regional, and federal permitting authorities you need.

I recommend: CalGOLD: Business Permits Made Simple will help you find the information on business and professional permits that you need. The CalGold listings include descriptions of the requirements, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the agencies that administer those requirements and issue the permits and licenses, and in most cases a direct link to the agencies' Internet web pages. Just enter your type of business in the search box.

Talk sales taxes with the right California state authorities

If it's information on California sales tax code that you need, here's where to go.

I recommend: The California State Board of Equalization is where you get it. At the CBOE site you can register for a permit or license, check tax rates and sign up for small business seminars that explain how it all works.

Get free help at the California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

California Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide free statewide counseling, training and assistance programs, and can help with matters of codes and regulations.

I recommend: Locate lists of services and your nearest location: Los Angeles (including Ventura and Santa Barbara counties), Sacramento, Northern California/San Francisco, Santa Ana, Fresno and San Diego (includes international trade). You can also check a master list of California SBDCs with local contact information.