Starting a Business
Pleasanton Playbook: Your Guide to Opening a Business
Starting a business in Pleasanton? The Pleasanton Playbook offers a clear, step-by-step overview of the City’s process, from site selection to opening day, so you can move forward with confidence.
Business Support
We are here to help businesses start, grow, and succeed in Pleasanton. Economic Development and Community Development staff at the Pleasanton Permit Center are committed to providing the most business-friendly service and look forward to working with you to help your business succeed.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service and a seamless experience for companies of all sizes, including a streamlined permit process for new commercial uses. We encourage reaching out early with pre-lease questions so staff can help guide you through the process from the start.
Contact the Economic Development Division at (925) 931-5630 or Email via Form for assistance.
Business Approval Process
The business approval process begins at Pleasanton’s one-stop Permit Center, where the City’s Planning, Building, and Engineering divisions are located. While every business has unique elements, most will follow this general process:
- Zoning Approval
- Development Review
- Plan Check Review
Opening Your Business
Once approvals are in place, obtaining a business license is the final step before opening your doors. Business licenses are based on gross receipts, with an annual fee starting at a minimum of $25. Licenses can be obtained in person at the Permit Center or online.
Available Commercial Space
Pleasanton offers a diverse and well-located commercial real estate market suited to businesses of all types and sizes. The city’s commercial corridors are conveniently accessible via freeway exits, major roadway arterials, and public transit, making Pleasanton an attractive location for businesses seeking visibility, connectivity, and a strong customer base.
Explore Pleasanton’s Shopping Centers
The City of Pleasanton has launched a new interactive Shopping Center Map, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s 20+ shopping centers. Prospective businesses, retail brokers, and site selectors can use the map to browse center locations, explore tenant mix, and assess the city’s retail corridors as part of the site selection process.
Commercial Real Estate by Property Type
Pleasanton’s commercial real estate inventory includes three primary categories:
Office
With more than 13.5 million square feet of Class A, Class B, and Flex office space, Pleasanton accommodates a wide range of business types and industry clusters. Office space is cost competitive relative to other Bay Area markets, offering high value for established companies and growing firms alike.
Industrial
Pleasanton provides more than 2.7 million square feet of industrial space distributed across locations throughout the city, supporting manufacturing, logistics, research, and other industrial uses.
Retail
The city’s 5 million square feet of retail space spans over 20 neighborhood shopping centers, the region-serving Stoneridge Shopping Center, and a charming historic downtown district.
Finding Available Space
Businesses and brokers looking for available commercial space can use the following resources:
- Search current listings on LoopNet
- Visit local commercial brokerage sites
- Contact the Economic Development Division at (925) 931-5630 or Email via Form for assistance with site selection and business location questions
The City encourages prospective businesses to reach out early in the site selection process. Economic Development staff are available to help connect businesses with available properties and provide guidance on Pleasanton’s commercial landscape.