About Business Licenses

Businesses with a physical location in the City of Elk Grove can apply for a general business license.

  • The license costs $16 and is valid for two years.
  • It cannot be transferred to another business or owner. If any information on your license changes, it may no longer be valid, and you will need to submit a new application.
  • The City issues business licenses for tracking and publication purposes only.
  • It is your responsibility to follow all laws and regulations when operating a business in Elk Grove.
  • Most businesses only need a general business license, but some may also require a special business license. You can check which types of businesses need a special license.

Apply Online Renew Online

Exempt Businesses

A business license will be issued at no charge and marked as “exempt” for the following types of businesses, once an application is completed. This information is used for Economic Development statistics.

  • Non-profit organizations

     with proof of 501(c)3 status (a copy of your 501(c)3 must be attached to your application).

  • Apartments or rooming houses

  • Agricultural activities

    Such as growing crops or raising livestock (this does not include wholesaling, processing, or storing products from multiple farms or cooperative marketing arrangements).

  • Seasonal roadside stands

    Selling produce grown on the same parcel of land, as long as they do not use public utility services.

  • Businesses involved only with alcoholic beverages,

    Such as manufacturing, selling, purchasing, possessing, or transporting them.

  • Banks or financial corporations

    Subject to in-lieu taxes.

  • Intercity transportation businesses

    For household goods or other property for hire under PUC jurisdiction.

  • Commercial travelers

    Whose business is limited to selling or dealing in wholesale goods, wares, and merchandise.

  • Real estate auctioneers

    With a principal place of business outside the City.

  • Café musicians

    Who play instruments in retail establishments where food or alcoholic beverages are sold.

  • Organizations soliciting donations

    For veterans, operated by federally chartered veterans’ organizations.

  • Veterans

    Honorably discharged or relieved who are unable to earn a livelihood from manual labor (attach a copy of DD214).

  • Blind individuals

    Operating vending facilities.

  • Residential care facilities

    Or daycare homes serving six or fewer residents or family daycares with eight or fewer children.

  • Professional service businesses

    Based outside the City but working within city limits.

  • Adult-oriented businesses

    These require a Special License

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a business license?

All general business license applications must be submitted online or at one of our Business License kiosks at City Hall. Payment will be collected prior to issuance of the license.

Applications for Special business licenses must be submitted in person at City Hall. Special business licenses are approved by the police department and fingerprinting is required.

How do I know if I need a special license?

There are certain types of enterprises that require special investigation, review and regulation in order to ensure that the public health, safety and welfare are adequately protected. Below is a list of the businesses that are required to get a Special License.

  • Antique Dealers-in firearms, jewelry, art objects, furniture or other valuables
  • Automobile Dismantlers-and marketers of used parts for automobiles
  • Mobile Automobile Repairs
  • Circuses and Carnivals
  • Sales of Concealable Firearms including gunpowder
  • Home Repair Services without a State of California License
  • Purchase or Sale of Metals including precious and scrap metals
  • Auto Towing
  • Repossession or Storage of Automobiles or any other thing of value
  • The Operator of Each Booth-flea market, farmer's market or auction
  • Private Security Companies
  • Tree Trimmers
  • Motorcycle Sales-including new and used parts
  • Wrecking Yards-including automobile dismantling
  • Dating and Introduction Services
  • Swimming Pool Cleaning Services
  • Janitorial, Maid or Carpet Cleaning Services
  • Pool Halls-one table or more is a pool hall
  • Itinerant Food Vendors-mobile food vendors
  • Movie and Television Productions-Film Permit
  • Dance Clubs, Halls and Public Dances
  • Taxicabs
  • Medical Cannabis
  • Cardrooms, Bingo Games, Bingo Parlors, Bingo Suppliers
  • Pawnbrokers, Secondhand Dealers and Junk Dealers
  • Junk Tire Storage
  • Tobacco Retailers
  • Adult Related Establishments-Bathhouse, Massage, Escort Services
Where do I go for fingerprinting?

Fingerprints can be completed at the Elk Grove Police Department (Thursdays only) or at any DOJ approved Live Scan locations. To be fingerprinted through EGPD, you will need to come to the cashier's office at City Hall (Thursdays 9am - 4pm) to pay the $49 fee. The cashiers will provide the necessary forms and send you across the street to the Police Department for processing. If you choose to have your Live Scan processed elsewhere, please note that there may be an additional rolling fee on top of the $49 DOJ fingerprint processing fee.

I have already been fingerprinted for another approval process. Do I have to be fingerprinted again?

The background check is completely confidential and the Department of Justice does not release information from prior background checks. You will need to be fingerprinted again for the business license process.

I'm not sure if my business is considered a home-based business. I sometimes work at home.

Are you using your home address as your business address and do you conduct your business from home? Examples would be: a landscaping business; a consulting business; a sales job where you travel to your customers' locations; a mobile notary. Although the physical work is being done at other locations, your home is used for paperwork, scheduling, etc. That would be considered a home-based business. If you have a work location outside of your home but you occasionally work at home, you would not have a home-based business.

Can I submit my application through the mail or apply in person at City Hall?

Effective October 1, 2010, applications filled out by hand or submitted through the mail are no longer accepted. We have provided kiosks at City Hall that you may use to electronically submit your application for a general business license, or you may access the application online.

I have difficulty using a computer. How can I submit my application?

We have kiosks at City Hall that can be used to submit your application. Assistance with the process will be provided.

I am having problems submitting the application from home. What do I do?

You may call our Business License department at 916-627-3279 if you have questions. However, it may be impossible to troubleshoot your specific problem since it may be unique to your computer. If the problem cannot be easily resolved, you may come to City Hall and use one of our Business License kiosks to submit your application.

My business category is not listed on the NAICS lists.

The categories are generic. Choose the description that most closely describes your business.

Why did you change the process?

Processing the applications electronically eliminates time spent processing mail and retyping the application. This expedites the process and allows our departments to access them and approve them in a more timely manner.

What is the cost of a business license?

The General business license is $16 for a 2-year license. The Special license is $125 for a 1-year license plus $49 for the fingerprinting and background check. The $49.00 is a one-time charge as long as you do not let your license expire. If your special license expires, you will have to reapply for a new license, including another background check.

How and when do I pay for the license?

You will pay for your General license when you apply online. If approved, a digital copy of your license will be emailed to you within 24-48 business hours. Your official business license will be mailed to you in approximately two weeks. If you require a special business license, you will pay your licensing fees when you apply at City Hall.

What happens after I submit the application?

A staff member will review your application for completeness. If additional information is needed, staff will contact applicant via email. Once approved, a digital copy of your business license will be emailed to you. Your official business license will be mailed to you in approximately two weeks. Please allow 24-48 business hours for processing and notification.

How long does the process take?

General business licenses can be filled out online and take about 15 minutes. Special business licenses require a review process and can take differing amounts of time depending on the application.

How do I renew my license?

You will receive a renewal notice 60 days prior to the expiration date of your license. There are instructions on the renewal on how to update your information and pay for your renewal.

California Legislative Senate Bill (SB) No. 205

This information provides background information and guidance on California Legislative Senate Bill (SB) No. 205 and the new requirements adding sections 16000.3 and 16100.3 to the California Business and Professions Code, and section 13383.10 to the California Water Code.

What is SB 205 about?

  1. Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) prescribe waste discharge requirements for the discharge of stormwater by municipalities and industries in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program established by the Federal Clean Water Act and the California Water code. The existing law requires regulated municipalities and industries to obtain a stormwater permit.

  2. Senate Bill 205 (2019) requires a person applying for a new or renewed business license to demonstrate enrollment in an NPDES permit, if such a permit is required.

What is the purpose of SB205?

To protect water quality, including the health and safety of drinking water sources statewide, the regulated industry is required to provide proof of enrollment in the NPDES permit program.

When was SB 205 signed into law?

SB 205 was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 2, 2019.

Where can I find the full text and additional information about the law?

Visit http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and search Bill Number “SB 205” in the 2019- 2020 legislative session.

What information do I need to provide when applying for a City of Elk Grove Business License?

During the business license or renewal application for an industrial business, you will be required to provide the name(s) and locations of all facilities operated by the business, all corresponding primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, and one of the following for each facility operated by the business.

  1. (1)  Stormwater permit number, known as the Waste Discharger Identification number (WDID), issued for the facility by the State Water Board

  2. (2)  WDID application number issued for the facility by the State Water Board

  3. (3)  Notice of Non-Applicability (NONA) identification number issued for the facility by the State Water Board

  4. (4)  No Exposure Certification (NEC) identification number issued for the facility by the State Water Board

Does SB 205 impact all businesses?

No. Only those businesses with primary SIC codes that are identified in or are applicable to the General NPDES Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (Excluding Construction Activities), also known as the Stormwater Industrial General Permit or IGP.

What types of businesses have SIC codes that fall under SB 205?

  1. Attachment A of the IGP identifies nine categories of facilities subject to enrollment under the IGP, including the following:

    1. (1)  Feedlots of a specific size (SIC codes 0211-0272): Feedlot SIC codes;

    2. (2)  Manufacturing Facilities (SIC codes 20XX-39XX and 4221-4225);

    3. (3)  Oil and Gas/Mining Facilities (SIC codes 10XX-14XX);

    4. (4)  Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Facilities (often SIC code 4953);

    5. (5)  Landfills, Land Application Sites, and Open Dumps (SIC code 4953);

    6. (6)  Recycling Facilities (SIC codes 5015 and 5093);

    7. (7)  Steam Electric Power Generating Facilities (specific activities under SIC code 4911);

    8. (8)  Transportation Facilities (SIC codes 40XX through 45XX [except 4221-25] and 5171; and

    9. (9)  Sewage or Wastewater Treatment Works (SIC code 4952)

  2. To access a copy of Attachment A of the IGP, click on the following link: IGP

    Attachment A

  3. The State Water Board maintains an electronic list of regulated SIC codes:

    1. (1)  Alphabetical: Alphabetical list of SIC codes

    2. (2)  Numeric: Numeric list of SIC codes

Is a storm water permit required if a businessis described by one of the above SIC codes but is not conducting a regulated industrial activity under the IGP?

  1. Possibly not. The business may contact the State Water Board or local Regional Water Board. Please see links in Question 6 below.

  2. The facility may qualify for a NONA and would require an electronic application submittal.

Need assistance with finding a SIC code?

  1. Visit: U.S Department of Labor SIC code search, and search by keyword(s) (for example: metal recycling).

  2. The company’s insurance broker should also know the SIC code.

  3. For the electronic list of regulated SIC codes, please see links in Question 3 above.

  4. You may use the following tool to convert NAICS codes to SIC codes, available at NAICS to SIC crosswalk.

  5. Additionally, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Industrial Multi- Sector General Storm Water NPDES Permit has an appendix that lists SIC codes and their corresponding NAICS codes found by clicking the following link: USEPA Multi- Sector Permit

Here are additional resources regarding the storm water permit application process:

  1. To apply for a stormwater permit, visit the State Water Board or local Regional Water Board: State and Regional Water Boards map

  2. State Water Board storm water contacts, general inquires:

    1. (1)  Email: [email protected]

    2. (2)  Toll Free: 1-(866)-563-3107

  3. State and Regional storm water contacts: State and Regional Storm Water Contacts

  4. Types of IGP coverage: IGP Types of Coverages (PDF)

  5. Other resources:

    1. (1)  State Water Resources Control Board Industrial Storm Water Toolbox: IGP T oolbox

    2. (2)  California Storm Water Quality Association (www.casqa.org)

    3. (3)  Metals Industry Storm Water Group (www.stormwatergroup.org)

Business License Reports

Contact

Was this content useful?