HOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE

A City of Plymouth Business License Application is available by clicking on the link below or at Plymouth City Hall, located at 9426 Main Street. Office Hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. & Friday by appointment only.

Please call 209-245-6941 ext. 254 to make an appointment or to have an application emailed to you.

Thank you

The completed application with the appropriate fees can be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to: City of Plymouth, P.O. Box 429, Plymouth, CA 95669. Once the completed application is received with the required fees, it will be reviewed. Once the application is approved, a Business Tax Certificate will be mailed to the address provided on the application within 10 days.

Business licenses expire on June 30th each year and are considered late if renewal applications are not received by July 30th. Courtesy renewal notices will be sent to the mailing address on file annually; however, it is the certificate holder’s responsibility to renew all licenses by July 30th every year to avoid late fees.

Residential businesses (those businesses operated from a home in residential areas) require a review by the City Planner. Before submitting a Business License Application, please check with the City Planner at 209-245-6941, ext. 255 to see if your type of business is allowed at that physical location. If you are developing a vacant parcel from the “ground up”, you will need a Site Plan review through the Planning Department.

If there are any changes to the business, it is the certificate holder’s responsibility to notify City Hall. Conducting a business in the City without a license can result in citations and/or fines.

Helpful information for starting a NEW business

There are many things to consider and various agencies to contact when starting or operating a business. While each endeavor may have its own unique situation or purpose, it is important for you to research the requirements for operating your business prior to starting the business license application process.

For your convenience, we have included links to other agencies you may need to contact prior to starting your business. See below for a “Frequently Asked Questions” section to further assist you.

If you prepare or sell food, contact the Amador County Environmental Health Dept.
If using a fictitious name or dba, contact the Amador County Recorder Office. Fictitious Business Name Application. More information about Fictitious Business Names can be found Here.
If you buy or sell tangible goods, contact the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration
If you need an employer tax ID, contact the I.R.S. and Franchise Tax Board.
If your business will have employees, contact the Employment Development Dept.
To inquire about city zoning requirements for your type of business and its planned location, contact the City of Plymouth Planning Division. The Planner is able to answer questions regarding zoning designations, building requirements and can also direct you to the appropriate person for construction permits or fire inspections.
Once you have an approved business location, you may apply for a City of Plymouth Business License. Contact us at (209) 245-6941, ext. 254 if you need more information. You may submit your application and appropriate fees at Plymouth City Hall – 9426 Main Street, or by mail to P.O. Box 429 Plymouth, CA 95669.

Applications will be reviewed for completion and a Business License will be mailed to the address on the application within 10 business days. 

Thank you for doing business in Plymouth!

Business License Questions and Answers below…

What is a Business License?

A Business License is a certificate that is required for all businesses, trades, professions, callings and occupations specified in Plymouth Municipal Codes Title 5. A Business License tax is required to be paid each year in order to have a valid and current Business License. Possession of an active Business License does not entitle the holder to conduct business in a zone where conducting business violates law. Licenses are non-transferable and the certificate must be carried or posted in a conspicuous place at the business location.

Why do I need a Business License?

Any person who derives an income or is located within the city limits of Plymouth is required to have a Business License prior to commencing business. Conducting a business in the City without a license can result in citations and/or fines.

What is the cost of a Business License?

Please call 209-245-6941 ext. 254 for your business license fee. The fees are pro-rated based on your start date.

What is the State Fee? STATE LAW: SB 1186 - DISABILITY ACCESS & EDUCATION FEE

Beginning January 1, 2013, SB 1186 was signed into law. SB 1186 imposes a State fee on every applicant for a local business license or renewal. 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. This law requires the imposed State fee be collected by all cities and counties within California.

The new law requires that you be notified of the following: “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:

The Division of the State Architect at: www.dgs.ca.goc/dsa/home.aspx

The Department of Rehabilitation at: www.rehab.cahwnet.gov

The California Commission on Disability Access at: www.ccda.ca.gov

To obtain a copy of the SB 1186 mandate, please click on the link listed below:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Can I conduct my business anywhere once I have a Business License?

A Business License is only valid for the purpose and location approved upon initial application. Any changes in location, ownership, or business type must be re-approved by the City. Possession of a Business License does not entitle the holder to conduct business before complying with all requirements of the Plymouth Municipal code and other applicable laws, nor to conduct business in a zone where such business violates law.

Can I conduct my business from my home?

Residential businesses (those businesses operated from a home in residential areas) require a review by the Planning Department. Before submitting a Business License Application, please check with the Planning Department at 209-245-6941, ext. 255 to see that your business is allowed at the physical location you would like to run your business. If you are developing a vacant parcel from the “ground up”, you will need a Site Plan review through the Planning Department.

Does the City of Plymouth have a one day Business License?

The City primarily issues quarterly Business License certificates. There may be some exceptions depending on when and where and the type of business you will be conducting. For further information, you may call 209-245-6941, ext. 254 to determine if an exception applies to your business.

When does my Business License expire?

Most Business License Certificates expire on June 30th each year.

Does my Business License allow me to conduct business in other cities?

No, a City of Plymouth Business License allows you to conduct business from or within the city limits of Plymouth only. You should contact the city in which you are conducting business to inquire about their Business License and fee requirements.