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All businesses operating within the State of San Andreas must hold and maintain a valid Business License issued by the Bureau of Business Affairs. Business licenses are divided into classes based on factors such as:
  • Business size
  • Economic impact
  • Property requirements
  • Development workload
  • Business complexity
  • Required systems and features
In general, a higher license class means:
  • Greater development requirements
  • Higher operating costs
  • Greater economic impact
  • More complex business systems
The Bureau of Business Affairs has final authority to determine the appropriate license class for a proposed business.

License Classes at a Glance

Applicants may request a particular class, but the final classification is based on the actual scope and requirements of the business.

Class S License

Class S is the highest level of business license. It is reserved for businesses with major economic impact or access to significant economic systems. Examples may include:
  • Mechanic shops
  • Vehicle dealerships
  • Other high-impact businesses designated by the Bureau
Class S businesses generally carry the highest licensing and operating costs because of their earning potential and importance to the city economy.
Approval for a Class S business may require additional review because of its potential impact on the economy and other businesses.

Class A License

Class A businesses require substantial custom development or construction. These businesses are generally created specifically for the applicant rather than relying entirely on systems already available within the city.

Typical Requirements

A Class A business may require:
  • Unique construction
  • Imported goods or equipment
  • Specialized business systems
  • Significant customization

OOC Development Requirements

Class A generally applies when the business requires:
  • A new custom MLO
  • New custom coding or functionality
  • New systems developed specifically for the business
Approval depends on both the strength of the business proposal and the feasibility of the requested development.

Class B License

Class B businesses use existing infrastructure but require additional customization. These businesses generally do not require an entirely new property or system to be developed from scratch.

Typical Requirements

A Class B business may require:
  • An existing commercial property
  • Additional construction or modifications
  • Imported goods
  • Custom products
  • Additional business functionality

OOC Development Requirements

Class B generally applies when the business:
  • Uses an already implemented MLO
  • Requires additional items
  • Requires menus or recipes
  • Needs smaller additions to existing functionality
These businesses may still require development work, but substantially less than a Class A business.

Class C License

Class C is the entry-level business license and generally carries the lowest licensing and development requirements. These businesses are designed to operate using existing property and relatively simple systems.

Typical Businesses

Class C businesses may include:
  • Small storefronts
  • Offices
  • Specialty shops
  • Service businesses
  • Other low-development operations
Many Class C businesses may operate from properties obtained through Dynasty 8.

OOC Development Requirements

Class C generally applies when the business:
  • Uses an existing shell property
  • Requires minimal custom development
  • Needs only light coding or item support
Class C is often the best starting point for players who want to build a business primarily through roleplay without requiring extensive custom development.

Choosing a License Class

Class S

Major economic systems and high-impact businesses.

Class A

Large custom businesses requiring significant development.

Class B

Existing businesses needing moderate customization.

Class C

Smaller businesses using existing properties and simple systems.
The license class is based on what the business actually needs, not simply the class requested by the applicant.

Applying for a Business License

Citizens interested in opening a business must complete the appropriate licensing process through the Bureau of Business Affairs.
1

Meet the Ownership Requirement

The business owner must hold or obtain the required Premium Passport.
2

Prepare a Business Proposal

Explain the business concept, location, requested class, products or services, and operating plan.
3

List Development Requirements

Clearly identify any MLOs, items, menus, recipes, systems, storage, garages, or other custom functionality required.
4

Submit Through City Email

Send the completed proposal to the Bureau of Business Affairs through the official city email system.
5

BBA Review

The Bureau reviews the proposal and may approve, deny, request changes, or recommend a different license class.

Premium Passport Requirement

Business owners must hold or obtain a: Premium Passport

OOC Requirement

The player must hold or apply for the Allowlist+ role through Discord. This requirement helps ensure custom businesses are operated by players who understand Equinox’s roleplay expectations and are prepared to actively maintain the business.

Business Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a detailed Business Proposal to the Bureau of Business Affairs. At minimum, include:
  • Business name
  • Business concept
  • Requested Business License Class
  • Proposed location
  • Construction or property requirements
  • Imported goods or equipment
  • Planned products or services
  • General operating plan
Additional information regarding:
  • Employees
  • Community events
  • Business partnerships
  • Advertising
  • Other planned roleplay
is encouraged.

OOC Development Information

If the business requires custom server development, clearly identify what is needed. Examples include:
  • MLOs
  • Shells
  • Custom menus
  • Crafting systems
  • Business items
  • Recipes
  • Custom interactions
  • Storage
  • Garages
  • Job functionality
  • Other requested features
Be specific. A proposal saying “I need custom stuff for the restaurant” does not provide enough information for the development team to evaluate the request.
Instead, explain:
  • What feature is needed
  • How it should function
  • Why the business needs it
  • How it supports the business concept

Proposal Review

Submitting a proposal does not guarantee approval. The Bureau may consider:
  • Quality of the proposal
  • Business concept
  • Existing businesses
  • Impact on the economy
  • Community benefit
  • Applicant history
  • Requested development workload
  • Availability of suitable property
  • Overall feasibility
The Bureau may:
  • Approve the proposal
  • Deny the proposal
  • Request changes
  • Recommend a different license class
  • Request additional information
Applicants should be prepared to adjust their proposal when necessary.

Submitting Your Application

Business proposals are submitted through the official city email system. Before submitting, make sure the application contains enough information for the Bureau to evaluate:
  • The business itself
  • The intended license class
  • The property needs
  • The development workload
  • The operating plan
Incomplete applications may be returned or denied.

Business License Renewal

Business licenses must be renewed: Monthly — on the 1st of each month Renewals allow the Bureau to confirm that businesses remain:
  • Active
  • Properly managed
  • Financially compliant
  • In good standing

Renewal Process

Renewal requests must be submitted through the official city email system. Depending on current BBA policy, renewal may also require:
  • Payment of licensing fees
  • Payment of utility fees
  • Confirmation of ownership
  • Verification of business activity
  • Resolution of outstanding violations

Utility & Operating Fees

Review recurring fees and payment requirements associated with business operation.

Failure to Renew

Failure to maintain a valid business license may result in:
  • Late penalties
  • Business restrictions
  • Temporary suspension
  • Inability to legally operate
  • Business strikes
  • Repossession in prolonged cases
Repeatedly allowing a license to expire may be treated as evidence that the owner is no longer actively managing the business.

Your License Is Your Responsibility

The Bureau may send reminders when possible, but business owners are ultimately responsible for maintaining their own licensing. Know your:

License Class

Know what class your business holds and what requirements apply.

Renewal Date

Business licenses renew monthly on the 1st.

Operating Costs

Keep required fees and recurring expenses current.

Business Requirements

Maintain the activity, compliance, and operational standards attached to ownership.
Owning a business means keeping up with the responsibilities that come with it.