Business Licenses

The Department of Resource Management (707-784-6765) issues business licenses for businesses located in the unincorporated area of Solano County.
 
If your business is located within the incorporated areas (city limits) of Solano County, please use the following contacts (click on the city name to go to their website):

    City of Benicia -  (707) 266-7059  
    City of Dixon - (707) 678-7000 
    City of Fairfield - (707) 428-7509 
    City of Rio Vista - (707) 374-2205 
    City of Suisun City - (707) 421-7320  
    City of Vacaville - (707) 449-5185  
    City of Vallejo - (707) 302-6074


Unincorporated area of Solano County


Before a business license application can be accepted, the applicant must check the zoning of the business site to see if it allows for the proposed use and business activities.  You can use the Solano County Parcel Viewer instructions below to check your zoning and/or call the Planning Services Division at (707) 784-6765 and speak with the Planner on Duty to check your business site zoning, allowable uses, and if the proposed business will require a Zoning Clearance or Permit approval.  Zoning Clearance and Permit Applications can be submitted online; contact the Planner on Duty for assistance if needed.  Once zoning and planning approval is secured, you may apply for a New Business License by contacting the Business License Coordinator at (707) 784-6765.

The Zoning Ordinance allows some small businesses to operate out of single family residences, provided several conditions can be satisfied relating to client visits, on-site sales, signage, and storage. In this case you will need to fill out a Home Occupation Questionnaire as part of the business license application process which will be reviewed by Planning staff to determine compliance with zoning requirements.


Solano County Parcel Viewer Instructions

To check the zoning on a parcel using the Solano County Parcel Viewer:
1.  On the right-side Layer List, check the 'Solano County Unincorporated Zoning' box.
2.  Search for an address or APN in the upper left-hand corner of the page. 
3.  If located in unincorporated Solano County, a Zoning Name will be listed.
4.  If the detail box says 'Solano County - Boundary," that site is located within city limits and you will need to contact your city for business licensing.

 Solano County Parcel Viewer screenshot