Business Licenses

Any person, but not limited to, an individual, partnership, corporation, or sole proprietor who wishes to conduct either directly or indirectly, any business within the City of American Canyon, must secure a business license. If you plan on doing business within the city limits of American Canyon, you will need to  apply online for a business license.

The city ordinance states that it is unlawful for any person to commence, transact, engage in, or carry on any business in the city without first having obtained a valid license and paid the license fee.

Business Licenses are non-transferable. Any change in ownership, location or business activity requires a new application.

Organizations operating entirely for the benefit of charitable purposes and those exempt from filing information returns are exempt from payment of business license taxes. However, such organizations must receive and maintain a current business license and is subject to an annual renewal and 501(c) statement affirming its status as a charitable organization.

How much does it cost to get a business license?

• Non-refundable $25.00 application fee.
• State Mandated Certified Access Specialists (CASp) $4 fee.
• Additional fees vary based on the type of business and location - review the Fee Schedule(PDF, 1MB).
• For example: food truck, ice-cream truck, and peddler/solicitor businesses have a $200 annual fee.

1. My business is a residential property in American Canyon.
   The use of residential property for any business purpose requires a Home Occupation Permit.
   
   
2. My business is a commercial property in American Canyon.
   The use of commercial property for any business purpose requires a Zoning Clearance Approval.
   
   
3. My business does not have a location, or I operate remotely.
   All businesses are required to have a physical address. Most businesses that are like this in American Canyon, operate as a Home Occupation. A Home Occupation is not meant to be like a brick-and-mortar business as it should not appear forward facing as a business operation.

    

1. I want to do a food type of business, what do I need?
   • Apply online.
   • Health permit from County of Napa.
   • Food at a commercial location in American Canyon, like a restaurant, grocery store, or catering from a commercial kitchen requires zoning clearance.
   • Food home business in American Canyon requires a home occupation permit and cottage food permit.
2. I want to operate a food truck/ice-cream truck, what do I need?
   • Apply online.
   • Health permit from County of Napa.
   • Submit License requirements.
3. Other food truck/ice-cream truck requirements.
   • Food truck, ice-cream truck, and peddler/solicitor businesses have a $200 annual fee.
   • Some businesses may require a seller's permit, please visit CDTFA for more information.
   • Businesses under a promotion/event require a mobile service and vendor permit.

1. How long does the business license process take?
   • Outside city limits new applications are usually issued within 7 business days after payment is made.
   • New applications that require an approval process are usually issued within 15 business days of payment if all required documents have been submitted. The approval process may be delayed if payment is pending, or additional requested information has not been received.
2. Can I conduct business while my license is in process?
   Start of business must wait for business license application process to be completed and approved.

All business license certificates must be displayed on the premises in a conspicuous place. For those not having a fixed business location, the certificate must be physically carried by the person and presented upon request.

All licenses are issued for calendar year periods unless otherwise specified by the city’s municipal code. Courtesy renewal notices are mailed within three weeks of the expiration date. You will have a 30-day period in which to renew. If you do not receive a renewal notice, please contact the business license coordinator. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business owner’s responsibility to renew the business license.

1. I want to protect my address.
   If you wish to protect your residential address with a different service of process address, complete this application form(PDF, 1MB) and email to businesslicense@americancanyon.gov.
   NOTE – if your service of process address is a post office box or private mailbox it must comply with Section 17538.5 of the California Business & Professions Code.
   
   
2. My business is moving what do I need to do?
   • One home address to another in American Canyon needs a new application and home occupation permit - will require a new fee.
   • From a home based to a commercial in American Canyon needs a new application and a zoning clearance - will require a zoning clearance fee.
   • From inside city limits to outside city limits – update account information – will require a change of location fee.
   • From outside city limits to outside city limits – update account information– will require a change of location fee.
   • From outside city limits to inside city limits - new application with home occupation permit or zoning clearance. Home Occupation Permit or Zoning Clearance fees will apply.
3. There has been a change in ownership or business type. 
   Contact businesslicense@americancanyon.gov or (707) 647-4354.
   
   
4. I want to cancel my American Canyon business license.
   Submit request online or contact businesslicense@americancanyon.gov or (707) 647-4354.
   
    

Visit www.calgold.ca.gov for assistance with locating all applicable requirements including but not limited to the following resources:

• Fictitious Name Statement
• Doing Business As (DBA)
• Small Business Center Health Permits
• Alcoholic Beverage
• Permits Sellers Permits
• Tax Identification EIN/TIN
• Corporations or LLC
• Partnerships or LLP
• State and Federal Taxes
• Hazardous Materials Contractors Licenses
• Workers Compensation
• Business Bonds
• Employer Registration
• Wage Laws
• Secondhand Dealers/Pawn
• Limos & PUC Permits
• Consumer Affairs
• Imports/Exports
• Massage Services
• Use Tax Weights & Measures
• Caregivers/Daycares

In addition to obtaining the business license certificate, you must also comply with all City, County, State, and Federal regulations for zoning, building, health and safety.

Under Federal and State law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies: