Public Services
Licensing and Permits
It is the responsibility of each business operating in King City to ensure that all permits and approvals are in compliance. Failure to obtain the required permits and license may result in the dosing of the business.
Business Licenses
All businesses operating in King City are required to have a business license. Licenses are issued on an annual basis over the course of a calendar year. Applications received during the course of the year are pro rated. License fees are not refundable.
The business type and the number of employees determine license fees. City staff to determine eligibility reviews applications.
Zoning
King City's General Plan allocates land use across a variety of zones to reduce property conflicts and preserve a high quality of life for residents. Business uses are predominantly accommodated in commercial and industrial zones. Each zone lists a range of permitted uses and various restrictions governing the type and nature of property development and use. Certain business operations are permitted in zones subject to a Use Permit.
Use Permit
Use permit applications are reviewed by the staff to ensure that the use is in conformity with the intent and regulations of the zoning ordinance. The application and accompanying report are presented for consideration by the Planning Commission, which then offers a recommendation for approval or denial to City Council, which meets the following week. Use Permit applications must be submitted one week prior to the Planning Commission meeting (first and third Tuesday of the month) with the application fee. The approval time for a Use Permit is at least three weeks from initial application.
Architectural Review
Businesses, which remodel exteriors or construct new buildings, are subject to Architectural Review by the City Planning commission. Applications in conformity with all ordinances will be forwarded for approval to the City Council. Plans are assessed with consideration for building design and material, color, and overall compatibility with the character of the neighborhood. Architectural Review applications must be submitted one-week prior to Planning Commission meeting with the application fee. Architectural Review requires at least three weeks for approval. (Note: Use Permit and Architectural Review may be undertaken concurrently).
Building Permits
All commercial and industrial remodeling, repair and new construction requires a building permit. Construction Plans must be submitted for review and possible plan check by the City Planning and Building Director. Building Permits do not require review by the Planning Commission or City Council. Permits are issued if in compliance with all necessary building codes and municipal regulations and upon payment of permit and mitigation fees. The City staff will expediently review all commercial and industrial building permit applications, but applicants should expect at least six weeks for approval.
Sign Permits
King City recently amended its Sign Permit Ordinance. All signs in King City, with few exceptions, must obtain a sign permit. Sign permits must be renewed every three years. Sign Permit applications are reviewed and approved by the City Planning Commission. Applications must be professionally prepared and depict the size, dimension, color, shape, material and placement of the sign. Upon approval, signs must be professionally manufactured and installed. Sign permit applications and renewals must be received at least one week prior to Planning Commission meetings.
Mitigation Fees
New construction and additions in King City are subject to mitigation fees. Mitigation fees are collected on a per square foot basis to assist in funding growth related capital services extended by the municipality. Fees are collected for Police, Fire, Library and Sewer Plant facilities. The School Boards also assess a mitigation fee on a per square foot basis for all new commercial and industrial construction.
Sewer Fees
Most small business in King City with a primary restroom facility will be subject to a "basic billing charge". Businesses are billed on a quarterly basis for sewer use based upon water consumption. Connection fees are required for new construction.
Public Utilities
Water, Gas, Electric, Cable Television and Telephone services are available through private service companies. Rates and connection fees vary.
Health Department
Select businesses may be subject to approvals and certification by the County Health Department.
Sales Tax & Fictitious Name Certificates
Businesses are reminded that they may be required to complete documentation for payment of Sales Tax. Further information is available from the State Board of Equalization. Fictitious Name Certificates information is available from the County Clerk's Office in the Courthouse in Salinas.
Voter Registration
As of February of 1998, there were 2,379 registered voters in King City with 1,148 registered as Democrats, 770 as Republicans, 44 as Independents and 417 registered within other categories (i.e. Green, Natural Law, Reform, Libertarian, etc.)
Financial Assistance & Incentives
A wide variety of financing and assistance programs can be accessed. The State of California has a comprehensive package for employment training and export assistance. One package in particular is the industrial Development Bond for Manufacturers and Processors. This package provides below prime rate funds up to $10 million within a given city for buildings and new equipment.
The Monterey County Economic Development Corporation is a countywide entity responsible for recruiting new investment. The EDC can offer funds from a Revolving Loan Fund at negotiated rates to eligible projects. The EDC is also active in identifying new markets and business planning and counseling.
King City's primary incentive is free land for qualified development. In addition, the City offers a comprehensive project expediting service to accelerate development plans. Further, King City has a Revolving Loan Fund , which may be accessed to top off other financial programs, or for other uses necessary for eligible businesses.