Business Licenses

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Applying for a Business License

Healdsburg's business licenses are now online!

The exciting new process can now be completed entirely online from the comfort of your home, your business, or even on the go from your mobile device.

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Create an account
  2. Complete an application and pay fees
  3. Print your license

To apply online, click the image above, or here!

For more detailed instructions, please see the instructions below.

A valid Business License must be issued prior to conducting any business within the City. The City of Healdsburg's business license period runs from July 1 through June 30.  For most businesses the license fees are based on the type of business and gross annual receipts earned within the City limits. Annual renewal notices for taxes are emailed on or before June 1st and renewal payments are due on or before July 1.  

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 cover each separate type of business at a location (i.e., retail, service, professional, etc.). 

Instructions for Completing an Application

  • Select the appropriate business license application:
    • Businesses within City Limits - businesses located on a site within the Healdsburg City limits including Home-Based business.
    • Businesses Outside City Limits - businesses located outside Healdsburg City limits that are generating revenue inside the City limits (i.e., contractors, Farmer's Market vendors, on-site services, etc.).
  • Provide the following information:
    • General Business Information
    • Business Owner Information
    • Emergency Contact Information
    • Estimate gross receipts for each type of business activity (i.e., retail, service, professional, etc.)

Taxes are paid in advance of anticipated gross receipts and subject to correction or confirmation by the City the following year.  No portion of a license fee, once paid, is refundable, unless erroneously levied or erroneously calculated. In accordance with section 5.04.140 of the Healdsburg Municipal Code, select fees may be prorated on a quarterly basis (excluding the mandatory $4.00 CA SB1186 fee). 

The Review and Approval Process

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

For those business 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 business 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. 

Additional Information

To obtain information on filing fictitious name statements for a business, please call the Sonoma County Clerk at (707) 527-3800 or visit www.sonomacounty.ca.gov.  For information on sales tax or resale numbers for a business, please visit www.cdtfa.ca.gov. For comprehensive information to assist business owners in finding the appropriate state permit information please visit www.calgold.ca.gov.

If a business requires utility services for a non-residential site, the applicant is required to apply via a Utility Service Application.  If you have any questions, please call Utility Billing Customer Service at 707-431-3307 or email utilitybilling@healdsburg.gov.  Please submit the business license application before or in conjunction with the utilities application.

The City business licensing program was established by City Ordinance #773 as Chapter 5.04 of the Healdsburg Municipal Code, which defines the various tax rates and compliance requirements.

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