Apply for a business license

If you operate a business of any size in the City of Piedmont, you need to get a business license. This includes home-based businesses and contractors.

This is a one-time application. Once you have a license, even if it expires, you don’t need to apply for one again. Instead, you renew it.

If your business is a rental property, you need to pay an annual business tax on the rental income earned, often referred to as the rental tax.  The business tax rate for a rental property is a different tax rate than other businesses.  Learn about renting your property.

Need to know

  • Cost (includes a $4 State Disability Access fee):
    • State licensed contractors
      • 3-month license is $54
      • 12-month license is $104
    • Film is $500 per day, plus $4
    • Auctions are $200 per day, plus $4
    • All other businesses is $104
  • If you don’t get a business license, you may be subject to penalties.

Before you start

If you are running your business out of your home, you need to get a home occupation permit first.

To apply for a business license, you’ll need information about your business including:

  • SIC code
  • A Tax Identification number (BOE number, SEIN, FEIN, or your social security number)
  • Workers Compensation Insurance policy (if applicable)

If your business is subject to the State’s storm water program, you need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit before you can get a business license.

Steps

1. Submit your application online

Complete your online application.

2. Pay fees

After your submit your application, you'll receive an an confirming it has been received.

Within 3 business days, you will receive an email containing the amount due and instructions on how to make payment online.

What’s next

After you apply and pay, your business license will be emailed to you. Your license is not valid until you get a confirmation that says it’s issued.

You need to keep your business license current while you are doing work in Piedmont. If you are a home based or a commercial business, you need to keep it current by renewing your license every year.

If you are a contractor or another business that’s not physically based in Piedmont, you need your license to be current while you are doing business in Piedmont. If you let it expire, but do business again in Piedmont, you can reactivate it at that time.

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