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1. Why is a City Business License required?

Per City Code Section 5.04.090: “it shall be unlawful for any person to transact and carry on any business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the City without first having procured a license from the City”.

2. Who is required to obtain a City Business License?

All businesses operating in the City of Healdsburg (City) are required to obtain a business license. “Operating” is defined as ALL businesses within City limits including but not limited to fixed site, itinerant, mobile, non-profit, home-based, consignment, subcontractor, & web businesses, as well as business located outside City limits generating revenue from within the City such as contractors with a jobsite within the City, a service provider performing onsite within the City, Farmers Market vendors, etc.
A separate license shall be required for each branch establishment/location and for each separate type of business at the same location (i.e., service, retail, wholesale, etc.).

3. When must I file for a business license application?

The business license application is to be submitted and approved prior to conducting any business within the City.
Those business related to taxi/cab service, massage therapy (without a state license), street vendors, and solicitors must register with the Healdsburg Police Department prior to submitting a business license application.

4. Do I need a new license if I sell or move my business?

Because licenses are non-transferrable, businesses that change ownership, ownership structure, or location are required to file an updated business license application.
A separate license shall be required for each branch establishment/location and for each separate type of business at the same location (i.e., service, retail, wholesale, etc.).

5. Are any businesses exempt from paying a business license fee?

While all businesses require a business license, the following are exempt from license fees: Commercial sites for banks, insurance companies, non-profit organizations, warehouses/storage facilities, secondary locations whereby revenue is reported via the primary location, businesses dealing solely in self-produced farm products, and for-hire motor carriers of property.

6. What period does a Business License cover?

The City’s annual license period is July 1st through June 30th of each year.

7. What is the Business License fee based on?

Taxes are paid in advance of anticipated gross receipts and subject to correction or confirmation the following year.
For most businesses, the license fee is based on type of business and gross annual receipts within City limits. Gross receipts are defined as the total revenues generated from all activities within the City during the year, before subtracting any costs or expenses. Please refer to the Tax Chart.
Based on the opening day of your business, fees may be prorated on a quarterly basis (excluding the mandatory $4.00 CA SB1186 fee). Contractors are excluded from proration.
No portion of a license fee, once paid, is refundable, unless erroneously levied or erroneously calculated.

Tax Chart

8. Can I get a refund if I over estimate my gross receipts?

No portion of a license fee, once paid, is refundable, unless erroneously levied or erroneously calculated.

9. Once I submit my license what is the City process for approval?

Upon submission of a completed application and related license fee payment, the Finance Department will process the application and issue the certificate. "Home-Based" and "Within City Limit" applications will be forwarded on to the following departments for code review and clearance:
• Building and Planning Department - review and approval of the business zoning, signing, home occupation, etc.
• Public Works Department – review and clearance of sewer discharge.
o If the business is discharging anything other than domestic wastewater, a Wastewater Discharge Application is required. See the City website for a Discharge Permit Application.
• Fire Department – review for fire compliance and hazardous materials. Any hazardous materials used must be listed on the application. See our website for a sample listing of hazardous materials.
• Police Department - review for state certification requirements and emergency contact information.

In the event the business is not cleared, the tax license will be revoked and a full refund of the Business Tax Certificate fee will be issued.

10. How long will it take for my Business License to be approved?

Approval for a “Home-Based” and “Out of City Limits” business usually take less than five (5) business days. “Within City Limits” businesses can take between 5 -10 business days depending on the complexity of the business. If additional questions arise during the process, a City representative will contact the business owner and the process may be further delayed.

11. What is considered a Hazardous Material?

Please refer to the Hazardous Materials List.

12. How do I get utilities for my new business?

If the business requires utility services at a City location, submission of a completed business license application is required to obtain a utility connection. To apply for utility service, please complete a service application or call Utility Billing Customer Service at (707) 431-3307. Commercial Utility Application

13. Who do I contact if I have questions about Business Licenses?

For additional information or questions about a City business license, please call (707) 431-3304 or visit our offices located at City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg.