Starting a Business in the City of Lincoln
The City of Lincoln welcomes you and we recognize the value and importance of a strong and varied business community. Starting a new venture can be challenging and we are here to help.
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, applying or renewing on business license portal, master fee schedule, documentation requirements, and related California Legislative information.
If you need further assistance, you are welcome to contact our business license division at (916) 295-6174. All applications are now processed on-line
Obtaining a Business License
The easiest way to obtain a business license is to complete the required application below. While each endeavor may have its own situation, it is essential to do research before applying. Some applications may require additional approval from other city and state departments.
A business license application will need to be submitted via electronically thru our business license portal.
Lincoln Municipal Code - Section 5.04. It is unlawful for any person to commence, transact, engage in or carry on any business, trade, profession, calling, occupation or gainful activity within the city without first having obtained a valid business license certificate and having paid the business license rate imposed and prescribed by this chapter, or without complying with any and all applicable provisions of this chapter.
Apply for a business license using our new portal!
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee / Renewal Fee | $21.00 |
| Home Occupancy Fees | $124.00 |
| SB1186 Fee | $4.00 |
| Vendor Permit Fee | $169.00 |
| Vendor Permit Renewal | $85.00 |
| Zoning Clearance Form | $124.00 |
*Per Resolution 2024-006 January 9th, 2024*
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Renewals |
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Renewal Notice: Renewal letters will be emailed or sent out. You will need your account number and pin number from this letter in order to renew for Year 2025. Please email [email protected] or call number below if you have not received your letter. Thank you for your patience. Business licenses are renewal forms that are emailed/mailed to you prior to expiration. Payments are due within 30 days of the license expiration date. Penalties apply for payments received after 30 days. If you need further assistance in applying/renewing for a business license you can email Business Licenses or call (916) 295-6174. |
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Permits and Forms |
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The City of Lincoln has an online system for obtaining and renewing a business license. Please note that certain business types may require the applicant to complete an additional permit application/form prior to receiving an approved license. The following forms will need to be approved first and then uploaded along with the on-line application submittal. You can mail your application/permit and payment to:
Home Based Occupation Form For In City Residential - Home Based Occupation Form - Fill out this form if you are applying for an In-Home based business license located within the city limits of Lincoln. Non Refundable fee is $124.00 L.M.C. § 18.62 is a citation to section 18.62 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. If you have any questions regarding this applications, please email the Planning Department at [email protected].
Vending Permit Application Form For Street Vendors- Vending Permit Application Form - Fill out this form if you are applying for a street vendor business license located within the city limits of Lincoln. Non Refundable fee is $169.00 Ordinance 997b. L.M.C. § 5.24 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. If you have any questions regarding this applications, please email the Code Enforcement Department at [email protected].
Taxi Cab Permit Application Form Taxicab Drivers operating a taxicab on the streets of the City of Lincoln for the purpose of providing transportation services will require a Taxicab Driver Permit. For In City Business - Taxi Cab Permit Application Form - Fill out this form if you are applying for an In-City business license located within the city limits of Lincoln. Non Refundable fee is $200.00 L.M.C. § 10.66 of the Lincoln Municipal Code If you have any questions regarding this application, please email the Police Department at [email protected]. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is a business license? A business license is an annual fee for doing business within the city limits of Lincoln. Lincoln 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.
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 apply for the business license takes only a few minutes when the application is complete. It is also dependent on the necessary approved documents/permits that need to be submitted along with the application. Depending upon the type of business you are opening, your processing time may be 2 or up to 10 days. For example, new commercial businesses in new commercial buildings need zoning, fire, planning, and code enforcement clearance. A business license number is issued upon received payment. The permanent business license certificate will be mailed in about two weeks.
How much does a business license cost? The business license application/renewal fee is $21.00 + plus the SB1186 state fee of $4.00 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. |
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California Legislative Information |
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AB 783 (Ting) Single-User Restrooms Governor Newsom signed AB 783 (Ting) Single-User Restrooms into law. This legislation goes into effect on 1/1/2024. The legislation requires all local governments that issue new or renew business licenses, equivalent instruments, or permits to provide written notice that single-user toilet facilities must be identified as all-gender toilet facilities. We anticipate the State might add future legislation as required communications to the business license process. Click on this link for website information.
SB 748 Disability Access and Information Effective 1/1/2024. This bill requires a city, county, or city and county, in a separate document formatted as specified, to provide to that applicant a statement that the business may be subject to liability for failure to meet the legal obligation to comply with state and federal disability access laws, and information on how to obtain a CASp inspection, as specified. Click on this link for website information. Please read Mandatory ADA Disclosure.
SB 1186 License Fee and Use for Construction-Related Accessibility City and county offices (local jurisdictions) collect a fee from applicants. The Senate Bill (SB) 1186 fee is applied to the sale of business licenses and renewals. The local jurisdictions retain the majority of the funds for use within their jurisdiction and share a portion with DSA for program oversight. The purpose of the fee is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements at businesses and facilities that are open to the public. The fee assists local jurisdictions and provides both the local jurisdiction and DSA with funds for activities that promote compliance with construction-related accessibility standards including providing financial assistance to small business for construction of construction of physical accessibility improvements. Click on this link for website information. |
The following will need a license if planning on conducting business in Lincoln:
- Individuals (residential or commercial)
- partnerships
- corporations
- sole proprietors
Business license fees are nonrefundable. You will need to display your certificate at your place of business at all times per L.M.C. § 5.04.220. This certificate does not:
- state clearance for zoning
- state clearance for fire code
- state maximum occupancy
- replace any other city, county, state or federal permit or license which you may need for your type of business.
If you have questions regarding business licenses, you can email Business Licenses.
