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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 or location. Only one license will be issued to each location covering all types 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?

Business licenses are non-transferrable.  Active businesses that change locations and/or ownership are required to file a new business license application. If your business changes location only, after completing your new application but before processing payment please email businesslicense@healdsburg.gov to see if you qualify for a fee waiver. A separate license shall be required for each branch establishment or location and include all types of business at a location (i.e., retail, service, professional, 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?

For most businesses, upon submission of a completed application and payment of the related license tax, a business license will be issued immediately. 

For those businesses that are exempt, or engaging in Taxi Services, Alcohol Beverage Sales, Firearm Sales, Cannabis Sales, or Message Services the completed application will be forwarded on to the appropriate departments for code review and clearance prior to acceptance of payment and license issuance. 

After license issuance, the Fire Department will review all completed Hazardous Materials Forms, the Public Works Department will review all completed Wastewater Discharge Applications, and the Planning and Building department will review zoning information. 

10. What is considered a Hazardous Material?

Please refer to the Hazardous Materials List.

11. 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

12. 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, email businesslicense@healdsburg.gov or visit our offices located at City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg.