Business Licenses

When a License Is Necessary

Any resident or non-resident doing business, in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, is required to obtain a business license. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any business in the unincorporated areas of the County without first having a business license. (Ordinance 101, Chapter 5, Section 5.12)

When a License Is Unnecessary

You do not need a Placer County business license if you are only conducting business within the city limits of:

• Auburn
• Colfax
• Lincoln
• Loomis
• Rocklin
• Roseville

If you are unsure if you are located in the city or unincorporated area, please contact our office.

Type of Licenses

1. A business operating in a commercial location in Placer County requires a General Business license. 
   • Fee: $131 application fee, $20 annual renewal
2. Any home-based business requires a General Business license.
   • Fee: $111 application fee, $20 annual renewal
3. A business that requires additional regulation and review by the County Sheriff's Department, certification of compliance by other county departments, and/or state and federal regulation not typically required of a General Business License requires a Special Business License.
   • Home Fee: $111 application fee, $20 annual renewal
   • Commercial Fee: $131 application fee, $20 annual renewal