Business Licensing

The Business License Tax Division is responsible for ensuring businesses operating within the City of Stockton comply with the Stockton Municipal Code Business and Rental Tax requirements.  The Business License Tax Division uses field enforcement and multiple lead sources.  Lead sources include but are not limited to the State Board of Equalization, Fictitious Business Names, inter-governmental referrals, and citizen reports/complaints.  Business License Tax generates additional revenue for the General Fund, which provides Police and Fire protection, street maintenance, libraries, parks and other City services. 

City of Stockton Municipal Code Section 5.04.040 states that no person shall engage in any profession, trade, calling, occupation, or business without first having procured a license.  Self-employed persons and independent contractors are also required to pay the Business Tax.

Disability Access and Education Fee (SB 1186)

On September 19, 2012 Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186 which adds a state fee of $1 on any applicant for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof. The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources for businesses in order to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws, as specified.

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 listed under External Links below.

To obtain a Business License:

• Complete a Business License Application
• Return the completed application to Administrative Services, Business License Division, by mail, fax or hand-delivering the application.

Business License Applications & Forms

• Business License Application (67kb, 2 pages)
• Commercial / Industrial Rental Property Owners (89kb, 2 pages)
• Declaration of Closure of Business (439kb, 1 page)
• Motorized Food Wagon / Ice Cream Owner Application (60kb, 2 pages)
• Pedicab Business License Application (56kb, 2 pages)
• Refund Request (31kb, 1 page)
• Request for Information (Information / Copies / Research Requests) (30kb, 1 page)
• Residential Rental Property Owners (63kb, 2 pages)
• Previous Years Gross (61kb, 1 page)
• Private Security Permit Application (171kb, 3 pages)
 

External Links

California Department of General Services - Division of the State Architect

Department of Rehabilitation 

California Commission on Disability Access 

Stockton Municipal Code - Business License and Regulations

Stockton Municipal Code - Chapter 3.28 Transient Occupancy Tax

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 1/14/2013