The City's business environment is friendly and the City takes an active role helping business owners and entrepreneurs get started. The City currently has an exciting mix of industries that support each other, as well as the residents and visitors to the community.
The following programs have been implemented to help both existing and potential business owners.
Economic Development and Business Registration
The City Council continues to work on economic development and retention practices to assist the business community. The City also has an active Economic Development Committee, comprised of elected officials and local business representatives, who meet regularly to discuss matters of importance to the business community. Click here to view recent agendas and minutes from Economic Development Committee meetings.
Business Registration Program
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita utilizes the City Certificate of Use and Occupancy for purposes of business registration within the City. All businesses occupying space in commercial zones, including those subleasing commercial space, require an approved Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit prior to occupancy. The Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit application form is available on the City Website homepage by accessing Business Links, Business Permits/Licenses, Building & Safety and selecting Certificate of Use and Occupancy Permit Form.
Certain business operation types require other City or County approval. A list of all businesses that require a County of Orange Sheriff Dept. permit is also provided. Owners of businesses involving these or similar activities should contact the City’s Planning Department at (949) 635-1800 for additional information.
Separate regulations apply to Home Occupation businesses. A copy of the City’s Home Occupation Requirements is available on the City’s website at www.cityofrsm.org on the Business Forms page under the Business heading. Home based businesses are encouraged to complete and submit a voluntary registration form to the City. Home Business operations must follow City zoning standards, which are listed on the Home Occupation Standards form.
Home Based Businesses (Home Occupation)
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita currently includes over 250 home-based businesses. The City encourages home-based businesses to participate in the Business Registration Program, and asks that home-based businesses maintain compatibility with the neighborhood it occupies. For information or assistance regarding the standards for a home-based business, contact the Planning Department at 949.635.1800.
South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce
The City and the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce are actively engaged to promote and support the City's business community. The Chambers of Commerce continues to grow in membership, and provides a Member to Member Discount Program. To find out more, please visit their website at www.socchambers.com/index.cfm.
Business Watch Program
The Police Services Department currently provides a Business Watch Program. Please contact Police Services at 949.635.1800 to add your business to the program.
Business Marketing Programs
There are several programs available to help businesses succeed through advertising and marketing. Direct involvement with the Orange County Business Council is available to community businesses, as well as the Orange County Small Business Development Center at 714.564.5200. For additional information on what's going on in the Orange County Business Community, visit the Orange County Business Journal.
