About Us

Kerman is located just 16 miles west of Fresno in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. One of the fastest growing cities in California, Kerman places great emphasis on quality of life, while still keeping a small-town flavor. However, the City of Kerman and the City Council have planned, financed and developed the necessary support infrastructure to properly accommodate this growth. A recent survey indicated that that Kerman has one of the lowest crime rates of incorporated cities in Fresno County. In addition to an extensive parks system (over 47 acres of developed parks) the City of Kerman offers a wide variety of youth and senior citizen recreational activities, programs and transit services.

Economic Development Strategy

The Kerman City Council approved a new Economic Development Strategy (PDF) on February 24, 2021. The City initiated the strategy to focus on business retention, expansion, attraction, entrepreneurship and customer service.

The mission of the strategy is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Kerman by developing and implementing policies, programs and activities that will stimulate business startups, facilitate the expansion of existing businesses, and encourage the location of new businesses in order to create new jobs, expand the City of Kerman's revenue base and invest in the quality of life Kerman residents enjoy.

New Business Resources

Potential Industrial Site Map of KermanAre you thinking of starting a business in Kerman? Here are some resources assist you with this process.

  • Register with the California State Board of Equalization (they assess the amount of sales tax your business will pay)
  • Contact the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for the Form SS-4; the IRS assigns a tax and Employer I.D. number to your business. The IRS will provide tax withholding schedules and essential small business federal tax information.
  • If your business will have employees you must contact the Employment Development Department to obtain a State I.D. number and employee withholding schedules. You will also be required to carry Workers Compensation Insurance. Contact either your insurance broker or the California State Compensation Insurance Fund.
  • A large number of business/occupational categories are regulated by the State of California's Consumer Affairs Department. Exams are required before many can legally operate in the state.
  • If you make up a name for your business, this "Fictitious Name" must be recorded with the County Clerk. - This must be done through the County of Fresno.
  • If construction is involved (including major remodeling), local zoning ordinances governing construction should be checked by contacting City or County offices. Building and related permits and zoning validations may be required through the Planning Department.
  • Complete the City of Kerman's Business Licenses application (PDF).

Regardless of what kind of business you are starting, the City of Kerman is here to offer assistance.