- STEPS
- Start Your Business
- 📝 License and Permit Requirements
Do I need a business license?
A business license is required depending on where you operate a business. This includes those that conduct business online, home-based, at special events, or a commercial location.
Business licenses may also be known as a business tax certificate.
🛤️ Unincorporated Sonoma County
A business license is not required if you are located in or operate in unincorporated Sonoma County (outside the nine cities).
🏙️ Incorporated Cities
You will need a business license (sometimes called a business tax certificate) if you are located or operate in one of the nine cities of Sonoma County. You'll find the application to each cities' business license application, as well as the phone number for each cities' planning/development departments.
Jurisdiction Website | Phone Number |
Cloverdale | (707) 894-1701 |
Cotati | (707) 665-3637 |
Healdsburg | (707) 431-3300 |
Petaluma | (707) 778-4301 |
Rohnert Park | (707) 588-2236 |
Santa Rosa | (707) 543-3200 |
Sebastopol | (707) 823-6167 |
Sonoma | (707) 938-3681 |
Windsor | (707) 838-1021 |