City Of Fresno Business License (2023)

FAQs

Does my business need a license in California? ›

While the state doesn't issue or require a business operating license, it regulates and requires licenses or permits for some business activities. Most businesses are, however, required to obtain a business operating license with their county and/or city.

In general, most CA small businesses will pay between $50 and $100 for a general business license. Larger corporations may be subject to charges based on their projected revenue.

When Do You Need a Business License in California? In most California counties and cities, businesses must obtain a business license for tax purposes. Exceptions to this rule are most commonly found in some unincorporated areas of rural counties.

A Zone Clearance (ZC) is required to verify that each new or expanded use or structure complies with all of the applicable requirements of the Fresno Municipal Code and with any applicable policies and standards of the Fresno General Plan and any operative plans.

Those who are caught contracting without a license likely will have to appear before a Superior Court judge to answer to misdemeanor charges that can carry a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, as well as an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000.

LLCs, Corporations, LPs, LLPs, or GPs operating in California need to register and form their legal entity with the California Secretary of State's Office, file appropriate taxes, register as an employer, and obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties.

How long does the approval process take? Review and investigation of a completed license application may take up to 45 days for a General Business License.

Section 64-14.406 - Non-Profit Organization Exemption: a business license is not required of any charitable or non-profit institution, corporation, or association organized or conducted for non- profit purposes only and having non-profit tax exempt status under State or Federal law.

Starting an LLC in California – fees to file

You'll pay two filing fees with your LLC application in California: $70 fee to file articles of organization with the California Secretary of State's office. $20 fee to file a Statement of Information, Form LLC-12, with the California Secretary of State.

Health and Safety Code Section 23395.20 – “Small business” means an independently owned and operated business, that is not dominant in its field of operation, that, together with affiliates, has 100 or fewer employees, and that has average annual gross receipts of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or less over the ...

What are the 7 steps to starting a business in California? ›

Introduction to Doing Business in California

You are engaged in any transaction for the purpose of financial gain within California. You organized or commercially domiciled in California. Your California sales, property holdings, or payroll exceed the specified amounts or are at least 25 percent of your total business.

165.09 RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE (RR-1). 165.10 LOW-DENSITY, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (RS-5). 165.11 MEDIUM-DENSITY, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (RS-8).

Are farm animals permitted within the City? Farm animals such as rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and horses are not permitted in residentially zoned districts.

The California Secretary of State business search is available on the government website, or you can conduct a search on a local government website. You can also use the California business license lookup on this website.

Where You're Based. Certain states, counties and localities have stricter regulations regarding who can sell online. For example, California requires you to register and have a seller's permit to sell on Etsy even before you make the first sale.