Okay, what do I need...

I need to know what forms and papers I need to file to start a home-based business. There was a business right next to the house I live in... I'm pretty sure the zoning is fine for a home based business in my field. My field is Web Design/Web Application Development. I need to know the whole process from beginning to end. (End being a successful business) I need to know what forms and papers, I need, and where to get them. I'll have to fill them all out myself, as I currently can't afford any legal assistance save coming here for advice...

If clients and deliveries etc. are not coming to your home, you can set up business within your home...you can have a mail office or other system for outside deliveries...See Starting a business: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/resources.htm for general background information and http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs/mp-25.pdf