Steps for Setting Up Shop in Japantown
The steps below will take you to links on the SFGov website that are relevant to opening a business in San Francisco and your specific business’ requirements for opening
Step 1: Complete a Business Plan
Your business plan will be your 3-5 year roadmap for how to start and grow your business.
Find more information, including templates for your business plan here: U.S. Small Business Association
Step 2: Finance Your Business
Developing your business plan should give you an idea of how much money you will need to start your business. Find out about borrowing or raising money here: San Francisco Business Portal
Step 3: Find a Location
Zoning Districts
Zoning regulations govern how land is used within specific areas of San Francisco. Please read below to find out what kind of business is permitted in the Japantown Neighborhood Commercial District, and what regulations your business will need to follow.
Use the Symbium BUILD for business map provided by the San Francisco Planning Commission to find what types of businesses are permitted throughout Japantown [Symbium Build for Business in San Francisco]
This chart of zoning regulations for the Japantown Neighborhood Commercial District can help you determine whether or not your business is permitted in the area. P = permitted, C = conditional, and NP = not permitted.
The Japantown Neighborhood Commercial District extends between Geary Boulevard and Post Street from Fillmore Street to Laguna Street, the north side of Post Street from Webster Street to Laguna Street, and Buchanan Street from Post Street to midway between Sutter Street and Bush Street. The character of these streets is largely commercial, including large malls, although there are some residential units above the ground story. Buildings are typically two- to four-stories, although there are two taller hotels. Geary Boulevard, Fillmore Street, and Sutter Street are important public transit corridors. The commercial district provides convenience goods and services to the surrounding neighborhoods as well as shopping, cultural, and entertainment uses that attract visitors from near and far.
The Japantown Neighborhood Commercial District controls are designed to encourage and promote development that enhances the walkable, commercial character of this area and to support its local and regional role. New commercial development is required on the ground floor and permitted above. Most neighborhood- and visitor-serving businesses are strongly encouraged, including eating, drinking, and retail uses, as long as they do not create a nuisance. Less active commercial uses are encouraged above the ground floor, along with housing and institutional uses. [SEC. 721. JAPANTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. (amlegal.com)]
Step 4: Meet the Community
Please click the button below to submit contact info and a short description of your idea for a new business to the Japantown Community Benefit District!
Step 5: Sign your lease
Reach out to the property owners of the vacant properties that you think will work for your business.
SF Japan Center Mall West
Vacant Properties: 1737 Post St, Suites #310, 315, 320, 323, 325, 383
Maven Commercial, Inc.
415.781.7700
http://www.mavenproperties.com/home/
SF Japan Center Mall East
Vacant Properties: 22 Peace Plaza, Suites #501, 505, 520 / 525, 535, 540
Maven Commercial, Inc.
415.781.7700
http://www.mavenproperties.com/home/
Kinokuniya Building
Vacant Properties: 1581 Webster St, Suites # 100, 115, 170, 203, 205, 220, 225
Kristen Fletcher, Property Manager - Birtcher Andersen & Davis
kfletcher@birtcherandersondavis.com
415.813.6742
Buchanan Mall / Osaka Way
Nihonmachi Tower
Vacant Properties: 1700A, 1700K, 1705, 1706 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
David Kim
sfdavidkim@gmail.com
Post Street
New People Building
http://www.newpeopleworld.com/about
Vacant Properties: 1700 Fillmore St.
Maven Commercial, Inc.
415.781.7700
http://www.mavenproperties.com/home/
Step 6: Complete all required permits and other documents required for your type of business
The San Francisco Business Portal has collected forms, permits, and other documents into one easy place for the most common types of businesses in San Francisco. Please locate your type of business and follow the links to find the required documents and forms on the San Francisco Business Portal website.
Retail Shop Starter Kit [San Francisco Business Portal]
Restaurant Starter Kit [San Francisco Business Portal]
Bar Starter Kit [San Francisco Business Portal]
For other types of businesses:
City, State, and Federal Registration: [https://businessportal.sfgov.org/start/register-your-business]
Choose a Name and File it: [https://businessportal.sfgov.org/start/choose-a-name]
Building and Inspections: [https://businessportal.sfgov.org/start/building-inspections]
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance [https://businessportal.sfgov.org/start/building-inspections/ada]
Permit Locator [https://businessportal.sfgov.org/permits-licenses]
Step 7: Hire employees
The San Francisco Business Portal provides information for hiring employees