> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.equinoxroleplay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Business Licenses

> Business license classes, application requirements, development expectations, renewals, and owner responsibilities within San Andreas.

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

<Info>
  The Bureau of Business Affairs has final authority to determine the appropriate license class for a proposed business.
</Info>

***

# License Classes at a Glance

| License     | General Scale                | Typical Development Requirement               |
| ----------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Class S** | Major / High Economic Impact | Specialized major business systems            |
| **Class A** | Large / Highly Custom        | New MLO + significant custom development      |
| **Class B** | Medium / Customized          | Existing MLO + additional functionality       |
| **Class C** | Small / Entry-Level          | Existing shell/property + minimal development |

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.

<Warning>
  Approval for a Class S business may require additional review because of its potential impact on the economy and other businesses.
</Warning>

***

# 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

<Info>
  Class C is often the best starting point for players who want to build a business primarily through roleplay without requiring extensive custom development.
</Info>

***

# Choosing a License Class

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Class S" icon="building">
    Major economic systems and high-impact businesses.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Class A" icon="hammer">
    Large custom businesses requiring significant development.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Class B" icon="store">
    Existing businesses needing moderate customization.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Class C" icon="shop">
    Smaller businesses using existing properties and simple systems.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  The license class is based on what the business **actually needs**, not simply the class requested by the applicant.
</Note>

***

# Applying for a Business License

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Meet the Ownership Requirement">
    The business owner must hold or obtain the required **Premium Passport**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Prepare a Business Proposal">
    Explain the business concept, location, requested class, products or services, and operating plan.
  </Step>

  <Step title="List Development Requirements">
    Clearly identify any MLOs, items, menus, recipes, systems, storage, garages, or other custom functionality required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit Through City Email">
    Send the completed proposal to the Bureau of Business Affairs through the official city email system.
  </Step>

  <Step title="BBA Review">
    The Bureau reviews the proposal and may approve, deny, request changes, or recommend a different license class.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

# 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

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

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

<Info>
  Applicants should be prepared to adjust their proposal when necessary.
</Info>

***

# 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

<Card title="Utility & Operating Fees" icon="file-invoice-dollar" href="/utility-fees">
  Review recurring fees and payment requirements associated with business operation.
</Card>

***

# 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:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="License Class" icon="id-badge">
    Know what class your business holds and what requirements apply.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Renewal Date" icon="calendar">
    Business licenses renew monthly on the **1st**.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Operating Costs" icon="money-bill">
    Keep required fees and recurring expenses current.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Business Requirements" icon="clipboard-check">
    Maintain the activity, compliance, and operational standards attached to ownership.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Owning a business means keeping up with the responsibilities that come with it.**
