Browse and consider locations

• Consider factors like demographics, safety, traffic, zoning and building requirements, and accessibility.

Check the location's zoning

Determine if you need to make changes to your space

• Before signing a lease, you can consult with the SF Department of Public Health (DPH) and SF Fire Department (SFFD) to understand whether your space needs upgrades.
• Taking over a space that already was a salon can save times and construction costs, as long as the salon recently passed inspections and was in compliance with current requirements.
• If you purchase an existing salon, ask the previous owner to fill out an Establishment Closure form. You will then submit your own establishment application. The establishment license is only valid for the location and owner(s) it was issued to.

Learn about making your business accessible

• The property owner is required to provide you information about the accessibility of the building, in case it needs renovations.

Create a Business Plan

• Writing out business goals and action steps helps you clarify and organize your priorities.

Choose a business structure

• When starting a business, you will need to select a business structure for your business. This decision impacts how much you pay in taxes and your personal liability (i.e. who is legally responsible for debts). You will need to decide before registering your business.

Choose and file a business name

• If you choose to conduct business under a name different than your own (ie. John Doe), you must file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) with the SF Office of the County Clerk.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number. It is a unique nine digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Generally, businesses need an EIN to pay employees and to file business tax returns.

Register your business in San Francisco

• If you register your business before choosing a final location, you will have to update your registration with the new address. This can cost money and time.

Apply for a Seller's Permit

• Seller's Permits are from the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Every location must have this permit to sell taxable goods.

Apply for an Establishment Permit

• This is from the CA Board of Cosmetology. The Board is only accepting Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, and Corporations as valid ownership types. Each location requires its own permit.  

Apply for permits for tenant improvements

• Most tenant improvements - even small ones - require a permit

Check water and wastewater capacity charges

• If your business will use more water than the previous business or resident, you may have to pay a capacity charge to the SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).
  • Tip: Get an estimate of the water capacity charge from the SFPUC before you sign a lease. This fee can be high, especially if your location was not previously a restaurant.

Get gas and electric services

• If your business needs new or additional gas or electric services, contact PG&E Building and Renovation Services to start the application process.

Install signage and/or an awning

• Awning permit fees are waived every May. You can qualify if you submit your permit application during the month of May. 

• Become a licensed barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, electrologist or manicurist. Submit a completed initial examination application with the appropriate fee and any additional documentation.  Pass your exam and receive your license.
  • Notes:
    • Salon workers must complete a required number of training hours before taking the State Board examination to become a licensed Cosmetologist, Barber, Esthetician, Electrologist, or Manicurist. Be sure you understand the hourly requirements, list of qualifying training schools, application process, and examination procedures.
    • The above license does not allow you to offer massages, tattoos, piercings or permanent cosmetics.  San Francisco regulates these activities separately. If you want to offer these services, apply through the SF Department of Public Health massage program or the Tattoo/Piercings/Permanent Cosmetics program.
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly. You can dispose of up to 220 pounds or 27 gallons of hazardous waste using the City’s drop off program at SF Recycling and Disposal Inc. Call (415) 330–1425 for an appointment.

• If you want to rent out chairs (also known as booth rental), be sure that your renters have the proper licenses and permits. This means that a stylist is renting a station in your salon. The stylist pays you rent to use your facility, but typically keeps what they earn directly from his or her clients.
  • Note: Renters do not need a separate Establishment Permit. The owner of the establishment is responsible for the salon, booth and chair renters, and independent contractors.
• If you plan to offer any additional services, apply for specialized licenses from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
• Post all required posters and permits including, but not limited to, No Smoking signs, minimum wage information, and health inspection results
• Mark your calendar. Schedule equipment maintenance and set reminders to renew your permits and licenses as needed.  
• Conduct periodic self inspections using the Board's Self Inspection Worksheets to verify your salon is in compliance with California laws and regulations.
  • Note: The Board does not schedule inspections. To better ensure salon compliance, inspections are performed randomly by inspectors in your area.
• Prepare and pay your local, state, and federal taxes.