How to Open an Auto Body Shop in Fresno, California
Auto body shops provide structural and cosmetic repair services to vehicle owners. A number of agencies oversee auto body repairs, both to protect consumers from unsafe repair methods and to ensure the shop is operating within the confines of environmental safety and pollution regulations. To open an auto body shop in Fresno, California, you must be licensed with the city, county, state and federal agencies that regulate automotive repair, hazardous waste and business activities. Start with a solid plan to help you keep track of the many factors inherent in opening this type of business.
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Instructions
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Write a detailed business plan that addresses which auto body services your shop will offer, your fee structures and accounting methods, advertising strategies, where and how you will acquire and service the supplies, equipment and funds you need to start and operate your auto body shop, and how you will maintain compliance with California's automotive repair and strict environmental regulations.
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Find a suitable location for your shop. Unless you plan to construct a new building, any site you choose must have adequate space to install automotive repair equipment, an office and a storage area. Contact the Fresno Planning Division to obtain any zoning permits you will need to operate an auto body repair service at the chosen location, install equipment and/or conduct remodeling.
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File a fictitious business name with the Fresno county clerk. Use this name to apply for a business license and a business tax registration certificate with Fresno. Corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships must also file the appropriate articles to establish a business entity with the California secretary of state.
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Obtain a State Employer Identification Number, or SEIN, from the California Board of Equalization. Use your SEIN to register your business with and apply for a seller's permit from the state franchise tax board. You must also obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number, or FEIN, from the IRS to remit employer withholding and federal income taxes.
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Apply for the various environmental permits required for auto body shops in Fresno, California. You will need a hazardous waste permit from the Fresno County Department of Environmental Health, a spray booth operation permit from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, an air tanks permit from the California Department of Industrial Relations and a hazardous waste identification number from either the California EPA or the United States EPA.
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Complete and submit an Application for Automotive Repair Dealer Registration to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Licensing Unit. Include copies of all your licenses and permits and the appropriate licensing fees. The license review process generally takes four to six weeks, during which time your shop may be inspected. If your application is approved, you will be issued a license that must be displayed in your auto body shop. If denied, you will be told why and given information about correcting deficiencies or re-applying.
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