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.

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
• Second Hand 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.

The use of residential property for any business purpose requires a Home Occupation Permit. The application is submitted with the Business License forms. There is non-refundable one-time fee for the permit application. This permit is non-transferable to another address or person.

The use of commercial property for any business purpose requires zoning clearance approval. The application is submitted with the Business License forms. There is a non-refundable one-time fee for the permit application. This permit is nontransferable to another address or person.

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.

A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required in addition to any applicable fees for the license or permits. Businesses located at a commercial or industrial location in the City limits must pay a non-refundable Zoning Clearance Fee.

There is a State Mandated CASp fee of $4. SB1186 is intended to increase disability access, encourage compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements, develop education resources for businesses, and facilitate compliance with Federal and State disability laws. From January 1, 2013, and until December 31, 2017, cities and counties were required to collect a State mandated fee of $1.00 from “any applicant for a local business license or equivalent instrument or permit, and from any applicant for the renewal of a business license or equivalent instrument or permit.”

Assembly Bill 1379 was passed on October 11, 2017, which extends the assessment of the fee indefinitely and the State mandated fee from $1.00 to $4.00 from January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2023.

The City is required by law to inform you of the following: 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: