Business license renewal invoices are mailed out each year in June. Annual license fees are due on July 31st. If payment is not received by that date, renewals are subject to a 50% penalty increase on August 1st. Renewal fees are based upon information previously reported. If you have any questions regarding our renewal policy, please call Business Licensing at (707) 263-5615 ext. 204.
Business licenses are non-transferable. If you are no longer conducting business in our City, you must contact us to close your business license. Please send us a note with the business name and the date you closed your business and include your signature. If the business closes prior to the end of the fiscal year, the owner may obtain a refund that is pro-rated for the balance of the year, provided that a request is made in writing prior to the end of said year. The refund granted will not be more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the license fee paid.
If you have sold your business, please state the new owners name and the date of transfer in writing and submit it to:
City of Lakeport
225 Park Street
Lakeport, Ca 95453
If you have any questions, please call Business Licensing at (707) 263-5615 ext. 204.
If you have any changes to your business license information, please send us a signed note referencing your business name or license number. Our mailing address is:
City of Lakeport
225 Park Street
Lakeport, Ca 95453
If you have any questions, please call Business Licensing at (707) 263-5615 ext. 204.
There are three types of City Business Licenses:
- An annual license is for persons doing more than two jobs a year within city limits. If you apply for a license after July, the fee will be pro-rated. Annual business license fees range from $14 to $154, in addition to a $10 per each employee that works within the city limits and is not the owner.
- A one-time business license is for anyone who works within the city limits only once or twice a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). This license is valid for only one job/project and is not to exceed thirty (30) days. A maximum of two (2) one-time business licenses will be issued to an individual per fiscal year. An annual business license will be required after the issuance of two one-time licenses in a fiscal year. Businesses participating in Special Community Events (i.e. Dickens Fair, car shows, craft shows, etc.) If you are selling non-edible items, you must have a Seller's Permit issued by the California State Board of Equalization and must properly report all sales taxes generated in the City of Lakeport.
- A home occupation business license is any business occupation conducted within a dwelling by a person(s) residing in that dwelling unit which is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of that dwelling. Home occupations shall be subject to the issuance of a Zoning Permit in accordance with Section 17.22.010 and 17.22.020 of the Lakeport Municipal Code. This application includes the criteria for the establishment of a home occupation in the City of Lakeport and the required one-time fee, plus the annual license fee. If you relocate to another dwelling within the City, the home occupation application must be re-submitted and a one-time fee will be required.
The City of Lakeport requires each and every business operating within the City Limits to obtain a business license. This would include contractors, peddlers, home occupations and mobile vendors. Chapter 5.04.020 of the Lakeport Municipal Code sets forth the business license regulations and requirements. The average cost of obtaining a business license in Lakeport is $84.00. City of Lakeport business licenses are issued on a fiscal year basis, July 1st through June 30th.
Other items to consider, which may be required to obtain a business license include: adequate parking, sign permit, use permit (home occupations), food handler's permit, state tax identification number, and any special federal, state or county permit and/or license which pertains to your business.