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Apply for a Business License
Who needs a Business License? Any business generating revenue within the City of Ripon limits is required to obtain a Ripon business license. This includes home-based businesses. Any business that does not have a commercial storefront, office, commercial or industrial location is considered a home-based business even if sales or services are performed outside the residence.
Forms & Applications
Complete the appropriate forms below and submit to the City of Ripon at businesslicense@cityofripon.org.
- Business License Application (PDF)
- Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF) - All businesses need a physical location. If your business location is a home address within Ripon City limits, you also need to submit this form.
- Cottage Food Permit Application (PDF) - If your business location is a home address within Ripon City limits AND you plan on selling food out of your home, you also need to submit this form.
If you would like to pay by credit card you will receive a reply with a link to make your payment, once your application is approved. Please note there is a 3% or $2 minimum charge for credit/debit card transactions.
If you would like to pay by check, please submit your completed application, enclose a check and mail it to:
City of Ripon
ATTN: Business License Division
259 N. Wilma Ave.
Ripon, CA 95366
2026 BUSINESS LICENSE FEES
Business Licenses are issued in January of each year and expire on December 31st the same year.
For new Business License applicants, fees are not prorated; however, any completed application received after November 30th of the current year will be processed for the next year.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BAY AREA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, LICENSE FEES VARY FROM YEAR TO YEAR. THE LICENSE FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2026 IS AS FOLLOWS: (CPI: 1.5%)
| Type of Business | Fees * |
|---|---|
All Retail, Service and Professional Businesses (includes any person who conducts business using their home as their base of business and lives within Ripon City limits - Home Occupations) | $132.00 |
| All Contractors & Subcontractors (Non-Home Occupations) | $172.25 |
Rental income property owners or managers renting four to ten residential units | $122.50 |
| General income property owners or managers | $133.75 |
| All other types of businesses including all manufacturing businesses | $191.25 |
| Additional Fee | |
| Employees working within the City limits (excluding one owner & spouse) | $13.25 per employee |
* Included in the base fee is a $4.00 CASp Services fee (SB 1186) per state law
AB 2164 Chapter 695: On and after January 1, 2024, any applicant for a local business license or equivalent instrument or permit, and from any applicant for the renewal of a business license or equivalent instrument or permit, shall pay an additional fee of four dollars ($4) for that license, instrument, or permit, which shall be collected by the city, county, or city and county that issued the license, instrument, or permit.
2026 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT FEES
Home Occupation Permits are good for two calendar years, effective January 1st. For new Home Occupation applicants, fees are not prorated; however, any completed application received after November 30th of the current year will be processed for the next year. The Home Occupation fee for the year 2026 is $192.00.
DISABILITY ACCESS REQUIREMENTS AND RESOURCES
(Issued 12-28-18)
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS FOR BUSINESS LICENSES AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS:
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:
| Department | Divisions | Websites |
|---|---|---|
| DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES | DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION | DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES |
| Division of the State Architect, CASp Program | Disability Access Services | California Commission on Disability Access |
| www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa www.dgs.ca.gov/casp | www.dor.ca.gov www.dor.ca.gov/Home/DAS |
CERTIFIED ACCESS SPECIALIST INSPECTION SERVICES
Compliance with state and federal construction-related accessibility standards ensures that public places are accessible and available to individuals with disabilities. Whether your business is moving into a newly constructed facility or you are planning an alteration to your current facility, by engaging the services of a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) early in this process you will benefit from the advantages of compliance and under the Construction-Related Accessibility Standards Compliance Act (CRASCA, Civil Code 55.51-55.545), also benefit from legal protections.
Although your new facility may have already been permitted and approved by the building department, it is important to obtain CASp inspection services after your move-in because unintended access barriers and violations can be created, for example, placing your furniture and equipment in areas required to be maintained clear of obstructions. For planned alterations, a CASp can provide plan review of your improvement plans and an access compliance evaluation of the public accommodation areas of your facility that may not be part of the alteration. A CASp is a professional who has been certified by the State of California to have specialized knowledge regarding the applicability of accessibility standards. CASp inspection reports prepared according to CRASCA entitle business and facility owners to specific legal benefits, in the event that a construction-related accessibility claim is filed against them.
To find a CASp, visit www.apps2.dgs.ca.gov/DSA/casp/casp_certified_list.aspx.
DISABILITY ACCESS REQUIREMENTS AND RESOURCES
(Issued 12-28-18)
GOVERNMENT TAX CREDITS, TAX DEDUCTIONS AND FINANCING
State and federal programs to assist businesses with access compliance and access expenditures are available:
Disabled Access Credit for Eligible Small Businesses
FEDERAL TAX CREDIT—Internal Revenue Code Section 44 provides a federal tax credit for small businesses that incur expenditures for the purpose of providing access to persons with disabilities. For more information, refer to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8826: Disabled Access Credit at www.irs.gov.
STATE TAX CREDIT—Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 17053.42 and 23642 provide a state tax credit similar to the federal Disabled Access Credit, with exceptions. For more information, refer to Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Form 3548: Disabled Access Credit for Eligible Small Businesses at www.ftb.ca.gov.
Architectural and Transportation Barrier Removal Deduction
FEDERAL TAX DEDUCTION—Internal Revenue Code Section 190 allows businesses of all sizes to claim an annual deduction for qualified expenses incurred to remove physical, structural and transportation barriers for persons with disabilities. For more information, refer to IRS Publication 535: Business Expenses at www.irs.gov.
California Capital Access Financing Program
STATE FINANCE OPTION—The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) Americans with
Disabilities Act (CalCAP/ADA) financing program assists small businesses with financing
the costs to alter or retrofit existing small business facilities to comply with the
requirements of the federal ADA. Learn more at www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/.
FEDERAL AND STATE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ON ACCESSIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 (ADA) —The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and requires all public accommodations and commercial facilities to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Learn more at www.ada.gov.
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (CBC)—The CBC contains the construction-related accessibility provisions that are the standards for compliant construction. A facility’s compliance is based on the version of the CBC in place at the time of construction or alteration.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142
Tel: (415) 703-4810
Fax: (415) 703-4807
Please take a moment to review the following information which is being provided in an effort to assist you in your efforts to begin your new business enterprise:
The State of California, through statutory mandates, requires that certain businesses and/or individuals obtain a license, registration or certification through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) prior to commencing business and to maintain that license in good standing:
DLSE requires licenses for:
- Farm Labor Contractors
- Talent Agent
- Industrial Homework
- License to Employ Industrial Homeworkers
- Permit to Work as an Industrial Homeworker
- Employers, supervisors and transporters of minors working in door-to-door sales
DLSE requires registration of:
- Garment Manufacturers/Contractors
- Car Wash and Polishing businesses
DLSE provides certification of:
- Studio Teachers
DLSE collects bonds for businesses engaging in:
- Fee-Related Talent Services
Finally, please note that an Entertainment Work Permit is required of all minors wishing to work in the entertainment industry and any employer wishing to employ a minor in the entertainment industry is required to complete an Application for Permission to Employ a Minor in the Entertainment Industry.
Information on the licensing requirements and downloadable application forms, instructions, and other documentation required to complete your application can be accessed on the DLSE website athttps://www.dir.ca.gov/permits-licenses-certifications.html;
In addition, the DLSE provides a network of 18 District Offices which can provide further assistance if necessary. To find the office closest to you, please go the DLSE website at www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DistrictOffices.htm.