FAQS
What is a business license?
A Business License is an annual tax you pay each calendar year for conducting business within the City of Pinole.
Who is required to have a business license?
All businesses transacting within the City of Pinole are required to obtain a Business License. This includes home based businesses, a fixed place of business, a contractor doing business in Pinole, or the operation of a rental property.
I am a contractor living in Pinole or having a fixed place of business in Pinole, but I do my work in cities other than Pinole. Do I need a business license?
You fall into the same category as any other fixed or home-based business in Pinole and are required to obtain and renew your business license each year, regardless of ever having any specific jobs in Pinole or not.
Do I need a business license if I work out of my home?
Yes. Businesses that operate from home are also required to obtain a Business License. Any Pinole based business that does not have a commercial storefront, office or commercial location is considered a home-based business even if the sales or services are performed outside the residence. A Home Occupation Use permit application must be submitted along with your business license application. If you are not the homeowner, the property owner must sign the home occupation form. Refer to the business license fee schedule for the cost of the Home Occupation.
Can I apply for a Business License exemption?
Business license exemptions are granted to organizations with tax exempt status under the IRS code Sec. 501 (c) and to businesses that are exempt by virtue of the constitution or applicable statutes of the United States or the State of CA. The Pinole Municipal Code grants exemptions to certain non-profit activities and disabled or handicapped persons (see PMC Sec. 5.12.020 & 5.12.030). The application for exemption must be submitted along with your business license application.
What steps should I follow to ensure my business license process goes smoothly?
- Verify that the use you intend for your business is allowed in the Zoning District where your business is located.
- Ensure that you have obtained all other licenses or permits necessary to conduct your business. Examples of other licenses that may apply to your business are; Fictitious Business Name, Health permits, Sellers permit, etc.
Are there any inspection requirements?
A Building inspection is required for all commercial locations before the business license is issued. To determine whether a Fire inspection is required, complete the ConFire Business License Application form under the business license inspection section and submit it along with your business license application.
Will I be notified when it’s time to renew my license?
Business licenses are issued on a calendar year basis with all licenses expiring on December 31st of every year. The City of Pinole will make every effort to mail each active business a renewal form. However, it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew their license by January 31st of every year to avoid any penalties. A blank renewal form is available under the business license renewal information section.
Can I renew my business online?
The City of Pinole is working on upgrading the business licensing system and this option will be available soon. In the meantime, the renewal forms can be emailed along with a credit card authorization to businesslicenses@pinole.gov.
Can I renew my business license by mail?
Yes, the business license renewal forms can be mailed along with a check to 2131 Pear St. Pinole, CA 94564. The check should be made payable to the City of Pinole.
Can I renew in person?
Yes, completed renewal forms can be dropped off at City Hall, 2nd floor, during business hours: Monday-Thursday 8-12pm and 1-4:30pm. Accepted payments are check, credit/debit card or cash. Exact payment is appreciated when paying cash.
Do I need to notify the City if I relocate my business?
Business licenses are non-transferable to a new location. Please notify the Business Licensing department of the new location. Zoning verification and Building and Fire Safety inspections may be required for all commercial locations before the business license will be issued for the business to operate at the new location.
Do I need to notify the City if I close my business, relocate out of Pinole or transfer ownership?
Yes. Written notification is required to close your license and avoid any further tax collection efforts. Email your notification to businesslicenses@pinole.gov or mail it along with a copy of your business license to 2131 Pear St. Pinole, CA 94564.