City of Roseville

Starting a Business in the City of Roseville

The City of Roseville welcomes you to its business community. Starting a business can be exciting and challenging. We wish you success in your new venture!  APPLY, RENEW & PAY YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE ONLINE TODAY!

There are many things you should consider when starting a business. The goal of this web page is to help the new business owner understand the Business License Process. Included are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding requirements for starting a business, a Business License Application, a Home Occupation application, fee schedules, documentation requirements, a Business License Change Request Form, and related agency information. You can also download a Business License Handbook to help you get started.

If you need further business license assistance, you are welcome to contact us at (916) 226-5207. All questions and applications are now processed on-line or over the phone.

“Disability Access Requirements and Resources:
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. AB 3002 is to increase compliance by owners and tenants of commercial property with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Unruh Civil Rights Act. For further information, please refer to this official notice (Notice for Disability Access Laws).”

What is a business license?

A business license is an annual tax for doing business within the city limits of Roseville. Roseville Municipal Code requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the City even if your business is located OUTSIDE the city limits or you have a business license from another city. Any business based in the City must have a license as well. This includes home-based businesses, building contractors, independent contractors, and non-profit businesses.

Conducting business in the City without a license can result in citations and fines.

Business licenses fees help pay for city services like roads, fire, police and other community services. These services benefit businesses, business owners, and the general public.

How long is a business license valid?

The business license is good for the calendar year during which it is issued. It must be renewed every January. The City will send annual renewal notices; however, it is the business licensee's responsibility to renew on time. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts. A 10% per month penalty up to 60% of the license fee is assessed on delinquent accounts.

How long will it take to get a business license?

The actual process to obtain the business license takes only a few minutes. When the application is complete and payment is received, a business license number is issued. The permanent business license will be mailed in about two weeks. Application may be made by mail. 

County/State Licensing Information

If your business name is anything other than your surname or has more than one owner - a partnership, association or company - you may need to file a fictitious business name statement with the Placer County Clerk's Office before your business license can be issued. http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Recorder.aspx

Every business intending to sell tangible goods requires a California Seller's Permit. To apply, contact the Board of Equalization. You are required to provide this number on your business license application. www.boe.ca.gov

Federal Employer's ID Number
IRS
1-800-829-1040

State Employer's ID Number
Employment Development Dept.
(888) 745-3886

Local business information / membership
Roseville Chamber of Commerce
650 Douglas Blvd., Roseville
(916) 783-8136

How much does a business license cost?

The business license fee is based on the type of business. License fees range from $15 to $250 per year, and are based on the type and/or size of the business. A business license is valid from January 1 through December 31. To avoid penalties, license fees must be paid by February 1 of each year. For more detailed information or if you have any questions, please contact the licensing division at (916) 226-5207.

Business License Refunds

For information about overpayment refunds for your City of Roseville Business License please refer to municipal code section 6.04.260.

For information about the City's privacy policy please visit http://www.roseville.ca.us/privacy_policy.

The business license is good for the calendar year during which it is issued. It must be renewed every January. The City will send annual renewal notices; however, it is the business licensee's responsibility to renew on time. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts. A 10% per month penalty up to 60% of the license fee is assessed on delinquent accounts.