Fresno, CA Business License Guide

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The Ultimate Fresno, CA Business License Guide (2025 Edition)

Last updated: August 2025

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What This Guide Covers (At-A-Glance)

Use this as your Fresno, CA licensing roadmap. The fastest path is to: confirm zoning for your address, line up your state tax accounts, then complete the City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate with any add-ons (fire/health/ABC/etc.) required for your type of work.

Quick Fresno Licensing Checklist by Business Type

The table below is a high-level map. Always verify details through the official links provided, because requirements change.

Business Type Core Local License Key State/County Permits Typical Extras Where to Start
Home-based service (e.g., tutoring, bookkeeping) in Fresno city limits City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate Possibly FBN (DBA) if using a name not your own; no seller’s permit unless selling taxable goods Zoning/home occupation rules CalGOLD — Fresno search and City Finance
Retail shop in Fresno City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate CDTFA Seller’s Permit (sales tax); FBN (DBA) if needed Zoning clearance; Fire inspection; Sign permit CDTFA Register + Fresno Planning/Permitting
Restaurant/food truck City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate Fresno County Environmental Health food facility permit; CDTFA Seller’s Permit; FBN (DBA) if needed Grease interceptor (restaurant), Fire clearance, ABC (if alcohol) Fresno County Environmental Health + CDTFA
Online/ecommerce from Fresno home City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate (home-based) CDTFA Seller’s Permit (if selling taxable goods); FBN (DBA) if needed Zoning/home occupation limits on pickups CDTFA + CalGOLD
Contractor (construction) City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate (if operating in city) CSLB contractor license (≥ $500 jobs), EDD payroll if hiring City building permits for jobs; workers’ comp CSLB + City Permits
Salon/barbershop City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license; FBN if needed Health/sanitation compliance; Fire DCA Barbering & Cosmetology
Alcohol sales City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate ABC license; CDTFA Seller’s Permit Police review; Zoning; Public posting (30 days) ABC Licensing

Sources and tools: CalGOLD — California permit lookup, CDTFA — Seller’s Permit overview, EDD — Payroll Taxes, CSLB — Who Needs a License.

First Things First: Confirm Your Address and Zoning

Before you apply for anything, make sure your proposed business address is allowed for your use.

Reality check:

  • Expect a zoning confirmation to be required for brick-and-mortar sites and some home-based uses. For restaurants/retail, plan for building and fire clearances before opening.

Timelines:

  • A zoning phone check or walk-in question can be same-day. Written clearances or occupancy reviews can take days to weeks depending on workload and whether plans are required.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Step-by-Step: Your Fresno Business License Path (Most Important Actions First)

Here’s the no-nonsense order that avoids repeats and rejections.

  • Decide your business structure and register if needed (LLC/Corp, etc.). If you’re a sole proprietor using only your own legal name, you can skip SOS filings.
  • Get your IRS EIN (free) if you’ll hire, open a business bank account, or form an LLC/Corporation.
  • Check zoning and location approvals with the City of Fresno (or Fresno County if unincorporated).
  • Lock in your name: file a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) with Fresno County if you’re not using your exact legal name.
  • Apply for your CDTFA Seller’s Permit (if you sell taxable goods).
  • Apply for your City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate (the city’s “business license”).
  • Layer in industry permits (food, building/fire, ABC, contractors, childcare, etc.).
  • If you’ll hire: register with EDD (payroll taxes), set up workers’ comp, and post required workplace notices.
  • Open, then calendar renewals and tax filings.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use CalGOLD to generate a custom list for your business type and address: CalGOLD Permit Assistance.
  • For one-on-one help, contact SBDC: Central CA SBDC. The SBA Fresno District Office can also direct you to local resources: SBA Fresno | (559) 487-5791.

City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate (Your Core Local License)

Action item first:

What it is:

  • This is the city’s business license (the city calls it a Business Tax Certificate). It registers your business with the City for local tax and compliance.

Who needs it:

  • Any business operating in Fresno city limits (including home-based businesses, independent contractors, remote/online sellers with in-city base, and mobile businesses working in the city).

Key facts and documents:

  • Zoning/occupancy may be checked as part of the application, especially for commercial addresses.
  • You may be asked for your EIN (or SSN if sole prop), business entity information (if LLC/Corp — refer to SOS records), and state tax account numbers (e.g., CDTFA Seller’s Permit).
  • Renewals are annual (confirm dates/fees through the city). Keep your mailing address updated.

Fees and payments:

  • Fees are set by the City and vary by business type and activity. For current amounts, use the City’s Finance page and Business Tax portal: City of Fresno — Finance.

Timelines:

  • Simple, home-based registrations may be processed quickly (often within days). Sites needing inspections or plan review will take longer.

Official sources:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the portal or forms aren’t clear, contact the Finance Department using the contact info on the city website: City of Fresno — Finance Contact.
  • If your space needs permits or inspections, work with Planning/Development via the city’s main portal: City of Fresno. If you’re stuck, the SBDC can help sequence steps.

Home-Based Businesses in Fresno: Rules and Realities

Action item first:

Typical home occupation basics (varies by zone/code; confirm locally):

  • Limited customer visits and no on-site employees (other than residents) are common rules.
  • No outdoor storage or visible changes to residential character.
  • Deliveries/pickups may be limited.
  • Certain uses (auto repair, commercial kitchens) are usually not allowed at home.

Publication or state references:

  • Use CalGOLD to see if your specific home business triggers extra permits (e.g., cottage food): CalGOLD.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your home address won’t qualify, look at co-working or commercial spaces zoned for your use.
  • Ask the SBDC to review options and costs with you: Central CA SBDC.

Table: Core Agencies and Contacts You’ll Use

Topic Agency Where to Apply/Check Phone
City business license City of Fresno Finance City of Fresno — Finance See site
Zoning/permits City of Fresno Planning/Development City of Fresno — Planning/Development See site
County health permits Fresno County Environmental Health Fresno County — Environmental Health (559) 600-3310 (County info line)
DBA (FBN) Fresno County Clerk/Registrar Fresno County — Clerk/Registrar See site
Seller’s Permit California CDTFA CDTFA — Register 1-800-400-7115
Payroll taxes California EDD EDD — Payroll Taxes 1-888-745-3886
Business entities CA Secretary of State SOS — Business Programs (916) 657-5448
Contractors CSLB CSLB — Licensing 1-800-321-2752
Alcohol ABC ABC — Licensing See district list
Cannabis CA Dept. of Cannabis Control DCC — Licensing See site
Workplace safety Cal/OSHA Cal/OSHA — Employer Guides See site
State income/franchise tax FTB Franchise Tax Board (800) 852-5711
Federal EIN IRS IRS — Apply for EIN (800) 829-4933

Lock In Your Name: Fictitious Business Name (DBA) in Fresno County

Action item first:

  • If you’re using any business name other than your exact legal name (or your registered LLC/Corp name), file a Fictitious Business Name statement with Fresno County and publish it in a newspaper for 4 consecutive weeks.

How to file:

Deadlines and publication (state law):

  • File the FBN statement not later than 40 days from when you start doing business. Source: California Business and Professions Code §17910 — Official California Code.
  • Publish the FBN once a week for 4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Fresno County, with an affidavit of publication filed with the County. Source: BPC §17917 — Official California Code.
  • Renewal: FBN statements generally expire after 5 years or upon material changes; see BPC §17920 — Official California Code.

Required documents:

  • Owner info, business address, business name(s), signature.
  • If you’re an LLC/Corp, bring your SOS entity number or proof (see SOS Business Search).

Fees:

Timelines:

  • Filing can be same day if in person. Publication runs 4 weeks; you can operate while publication runs, but banks often want the filed FBN (and sometimes proof of publication) to open accounts.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the County site is unclear, call the published clerk number on the County page or visit in person.
  • If the bank is asking for wording your FBN doesn’t show, speak with the clerk before re-filing to avoid repeat publication costs.

Get Your Seller’s Permit (Sales Tax Number)

Action item first:

  • If you sell or lease tangible personal property that is normally taxable in California (in-store or online), you need a Seller’s Permit. Apply online (free): CDTFA — Register.

Key facts:

  • Cost: $0 to register. CDTFA may require a security deposit in limited cases. Source: CDTFA — Seller’s Permit FAQ.
  • You must collect district sales tax based on where the sale is considered to occur. Use CDTFA’s official rate lookup to find the exact rate for your location or your customer (depending on the tax rules for your transaction): CDTFA — Find a Sales and Use Tax Rate.
  • Marketplace sellers: Marketplaces (e.g., Amazon) usually collect/remit on your marketplace sales by law, but you still may need a Seller’s Permit for your direct sales. Source: CDTFA — Marketplace Facilitator Act.

Documents needed:

  • FEIN/SSN, business address, entity information, estimated sales, NAICS.

Timelines:

  • Often same day approval; sometimes CDTFA requests supporting documents.

Reporting:

  • Filing frequency (quarterly, monthly, annually) depends on sales volume. Returns are filed electronically. Source: CDTFA — Returns.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Call CDTFA: 1-800-400-7115.
  • Visit a CDTFA field office (use the office locator on CDTFA’s website) or request help from the SBDC.

Employers: Register with EDD, Set Up Payroll, and Workers’ Comp

Action item first:

How to register:

Core obligations:

Timelines:

  • EDD account numbers are often issued quickly online. Insurance quotes can take 1–3 business days. Payroll setup is usually a few days if using a provider.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Call EDD: 1-888-745-3886.
  • Ask your insurance broker to quote workers’ comp or use the State Compensation Insurance Fund if you can’t find a private carrier: State Fund — Workers’ Comp for CA.

Health and Safety Permits (Restaurants, Food Trucks, Cottage Food)

Action item first:

  • Any food facility (restaurant, café, food truck, commissary, shared kitchen) must contact Fresno County Environmental Health for permitting before opening. Start here: Fresno County — Environmental Health.

What you’ll likely need:

  • Plan review and health permit for restaurants and some remodels.
  • Mobile Food Facility permits for food trucks/carts; a permitted commissary is typically required. Source: California Retail Food Code — via CDPH.
  • Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) can make certain low-risk foods from home with county registration or permit (Class A or B). Start at Fresno County EH and see state guidance: CDPH — Cottage Food Program.
  • Seller’s Permit from CDTFA if selling taxable prepared food or packaged goods: CDTFA — Register.

Timelines:

  • Plan reviews can take 2–6 weeks or more depending on complexity.
  • Inspections occur after construction/equipment installation.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Schedule a pre-application meeting with Environmental Health to clarify your plans and avoid rework.
  • If your building needs upgrades, coordinate City building permits and inspections early via the city portal: City of Fresno — Planning/Development.

Building Permits, Occupancy, and Fire

Action item first:

  • If you’re moving into or remodeling a commercial space in Fresno, talk to City Planning/Development about building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy, and to the Fire Department regarding inspections. Start at the city portal: City of Fresno.

Typical needs:

  • Building permit for tenant improvements, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work. California Building Standards Code (Title 24) applies.
  • Fire Department review for hood systems, sprinklers, alarms, and egress.
  • Sign permits for exterior signs.

Timelines:

  • Simple permits can take days to weeks; more complex projects with plan review can take multiple review cycles.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask for an over-the-counter plan check slot if available for minor work.
  • Hire a local architect/expeditor who knows Fresno submittal requirements.
  • SBDC can help with project sequencing and referrals: Central CA SBDC.

Industry-Specific Licenses and Rules

Start with the most time-sensitive items to avoid delays.

Alcohol (Bars, Restaurants, Retailers)

  • You need a state ABC license for alcohol sales. Application includes background checks, public posting (30 days minimum), and location review. Source: ABC — Licensing Overview.
  • Common license types: Type 41 (on-sale beer & wine for restaurants), Type 47 (on-sale general for restaurants), Type 48 (bars), Type 20 (off-sale beer & wine), Type 21 (off-sale general). See: ABC — License Types.
  • Fees and timelines: Vary by type; see the ABC fee schedule and processing tips: ABC — Fee Schedule and ABC — Application Process.
  • Contact: Find your ABC District Office: ABC District Offices.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If neighbors protest your posting, ABC may hold a hearing or impose conditions. Work with ABC staff on conditions or consider a different location/license type.

Tobacco Retail

  • California requires a state Tobacco Retailer License to sell cigarettes/tobacco (and many related products). The annual retailer license fee is currently $265 per location (statewide). Source: CDTFA — Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing. Also confirm any local Fresno retail rules via CalGOLD.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your application is denied due to zoning or proximity rules, ask Planning about alternative sites and check CalGOLD for local constraints.

Cannabis Businesses

  • City of Fresno has a local cannabis permitting program with limited retail and other license types. You must have local authorization first, then apply for a state license with DCC. Start locally: City of Fresno — Cannabis Program (use the site search for “Cannabis”). State license info: CA Department of Cannabis Control — Licensing.
  • Fees and caps: Local caps/fees change. Verify current application windows and fees with the City link above. State fees by DCC are published here: DCC — Fee Schedule.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If local application windows are closed, consider non-storefront delivery (if allowed) or nearby jurisdictions with open windows. Consult an attorney due to complexity.

Contractors and Trades

  • For jobs of $500 or more (labor + materials) in California, you must hold a CSLB contractor license. Source: CSLB — Who Needs a License.
  • City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate required if you work in city limits. Building permits are typically needed for structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work.
  • Workers’ compensation is required if you have employees. Some license classifications require workers’ comp proof even with no employees. Source: CSLB — Workers’ Comp Requirements.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re under the $500 threshold but doing repeated small jobs at the same site, CSLB may still consider it contracting. When in doubt, call CSLB (1-800-321-2752).

Child Care, Salons, Auto Repair, and Other Professions

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If a professional license is delayed, do not open to the public. Temporary or provisional options are rare; ask the board about timelines and requirements.

Real-World Examples (Fresno Scenarios)

These examples show the general order of steps. Your details may vary — verify through the linked sources.

  • Coffee shop in Tower District
    • Check that the chosen storefront is zoned for a café. Start at City of Fresno — Planning/Development.
    • File LLC (optional) with SOS; get EIN ($0) from IRS.
    • Apply for CDTFA Seller’s Permit ($0).
    • Submit plans to City for any build-out (plumbing, electrical, hood) and coordinate Fire review.
    • Apply with Fresno County Environmental Health for a food facility permit and plan check.
    • Apply for the City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate.
    • If serving beer/wine, apply for ABC Type 41 license and complete the 30-day posting.
    • Hire staff: register with EDD within 15 days of paying over $100 in wages; set up workers’ comp; complete Cal/OSHA IIPP.
    • Open after final inspections and occupancy sign-off.
  • Home-based Etsy seller (North Fresno)
    • Confirm home occupation rules via City Planning.
    • File FBN (DBA) with Fresno County if the shop name isn’t your legal name; publish 4 weeks.
    • Get CDTFA Seller’s Permit ($0). Use CDTFA rate lookup for proper tax on in-state sales.
    • Apply for City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate (home-based).
    • Keep packaging/shipping inside home occupation limits; no in-person retail if not allowed.
  • Residential remodel contractor
    • Obtain CSLB license if taking jobs ≥ $500 (labor + materials).
    • Get EIN (optional for sole prop; required for LLC/Corp or if hiring); enroll with EDD if hiring.
    • City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate if operating in the city.
    • Pull building permits for each job as required; maintain workers’ comp.
    • Keep job contracts and change orders clear to avoid sliding over the $500 threshold unlicensed.

Table: Documents and Info You’ll Commonly Need

Purpose What to Gather Why It Matters
Identity and entity Government ID; SOS entity number (if LLC/Corp) Proves who is applying and that your business entity is valid (SOS: Business Search)
Name/DBA FBN filing receipt and publication proof Banks and City license processing often require it (BPC §17910, §17917 cited above)
Tax accounts EIN ($0) and CDTFA account number Needed for payroll and sales tax (IRS/EDD/CDTFA)
Location Lease, site plan, photos Zoning, occupancy, and inspection reviews
Operations Menu/product list, equipment list, process description Health department and plan review requirements
Insurance Workers’ comp certificate, liability certificates Required for employees and often for leases/contracting
Financial Estimated gross receipts, headcount Determines tax reporting frequency and sometimes city fee tiers

Costs: What You Can Predict (and What You Can’t)

Some fees are stable statewide; local fees vary. Always click through to confirm current Fresno amounts.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you can’t find a current fee online, call the agency number listed in the Contacts table or ask SBDC to help you confirm costs before you commit to a lease.

Table: Typical Timelines (Plan Realistically)

These are common ranges, not promises. Always verify with the agency.

Step Typical Timeline Source/Notes
EIN from IRS Same day online IRS — EIN
FBN filing Same day to a few days BPC §17910
FBN publication 4 weeks BPC §17917
Seller’s Permit Same day to a few days CDTFA
EDD employer account Same day to a few days EDD
City Business Tax Certificate Days to weeks Depends on inspections/zoning
Building permit (minor TI) 1–3+ weeks City plan review workload dependent
Restaurant health plan review 2–6+ weeks Fresno County EH
ABC license (no protests) 45–90+ days 30-day posting + investigation: ABC

Taxes and Renewals You’ll Face (Beyond the License)

Action item first:

  • Calendar your city renewal, CDTFA sales tax returns, EDD payroll filings (if any), and state income/franchise taxes.

Key obligations:

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you miss a deadline, contact the agency quickly to reduce penalties/interest.
  • Ask the SBDC for a compliance calendar template to avoid repeat misses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Based on Frequent Fresno Issues)

  • Signing a lease before confirming zoning and build-out costs. Result: unexpected expenses and delays. Fix: meet Planning/Development and Fire before signing.
  • Skipping the FBN (DBA) or forgetting the 4-week publication. Banks may refuse to open your account. Fix: file and publish promptly; keep proof.
  • Opening a restaurant without Environmental Health plan approval. Result: project stops mid-construction. Fix: submit plans early; coordinate with City and County.
  • Doing construction jobs ≥ $500 without a CSLB license. Result: fines, non-collectible invoices. Fix: get licensed; keep job totals honest.
  • Forgetting district sales tax. Result: under-collection and back taxes. Fix: use CDTFA rate lookup for each site/delivery.
  • Hiring off the books. Result: penalties from EDD and workers’ comp issues. Fix: register with EDD within 15 days after paying over $100 in a quarter; carry workers’ comp.
  • Not posting the ABC sign for 30 days or choosing a location with likely protests. Result: delays or conditions. Fix: discuss site with ABC before applying.
  • Letting the City Business Tax Certificate lapse. Result: penalties. Fix: calendar renewal and update your mailing address with the City.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’ve already made one of these mistakes, contact the agency now to resolve it, and ask SBDC for triage help: Central CA SBDC.

Table: Home-Based vs. Commercial Location — What Changes

Topic Home-Based in Fresno Commercial Space in Fresno
City Business Tax Certificate Required Required
Zoning/Use Home occupation rules; limits on customers/signage Must match zoning/use; occupancy limits
Inspections Rare unless special use (e.g., CFO Class B) Fire/building inspections common
Signage Usually limited or not allowed Permit required for exterior signs
Parking/traffic Must not impact neighborhood Per code; may require spaces or changes
Food production CFO home-based only (limited items) Full commercial kitchen with EH permit

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Accessibility Resources

If you are a woman-owned, minority-owned, disabled-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, or immigrant-owned business, these programs can open doors in contracting, mentoring, and access to capital. Most are free to apply. Use these official sources.

  • California Department of General Services (DGS) Small Business (SB) and Microbusiness (SB-Micro) Certification. Helps with state contracting preferences. Check eligibility and apply: DGS — Small Business Certification.
  • Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification. For veteran-owned firms meeting DVBE requirements: DGS — DVBE Certification.
  • SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB). Federal contracting set-asides for women-owned firms: SBA — WOSB Program.
  • SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. For socially and economically disadvantaged businesses: SBA — 8(a) Program.
  • SBA HUBZone. Based on business location and employee residence in HUBZones: SBA — HUBZone.
  • NGLCC LGBTBE Certification (well-established national cert). Recognized by many corporations for supplier diversity: NGLCC — LGBTBE Certification.
  • Free counseling locally: Central CA SBDC (including specialty advising for veterans, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs): Central CA SBDC. SBA Fresno District Office: SBA — Fresno | (559) 487-5791.
  • Language access:
    • CDTFA provides resources in Spanish and other languages: CDTFA — Language Resources.
    • EDD multilingual resources: EDD — Multilingual.
    • City and County provide interpretation upon request; check your specific department page for language services or call the posted numbers.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re unsure which certification fits, ask SBDC to review your goals and recommend the right path. For state contracting questions, DGS has certification help desks on the pages above.

Table: Quick Reality Check — Budget and Time

Item Minimum Cost You Can Count On Can It Swing Higher? Why
EIN $0 No
Seller’s Permit $0 Security deposit in some cases (CDTFA)
FBN (DBA) County fee varies Extra names/copies, publication cost
City Business Tax Certificate Varies by activity Headcount/gross receipts tiers, add-ons
Health permits Varies Plan review, re-inspections
Buildout Varies Code upgrades (ADA, fire, electrical)
ABC license Varies by type Protested sites, conditions, premium locations
Workers’ comp Based on payroll/class Claims history, classification rates

10 California-Specific FAQs (With Sources)

  • Do I need a Seller’s Permit to sell online to California customers?
    • Yes, if you sell taxable goods directly to California customers. Apply with CDTFA ($0): CDTFA — Register. Marketplace facilitators may collect on your marketplace sales, but you still need a permit for your own direct sales: CDTFA — Marketplace Facilitators.
  • How do I find the right sales tax rate for Fresno?
  • I’m a sole proprietor in Fresno using a business name. Do I need a DBA?
  • I’m an independent contractor (no employees). Do I still need the City business license?
    • If you operate within Fresno city limits, you generally need the City of Fresno Business Tax Certificate. Start at City of Fresno — Finance.
  • When must I register with EDD as an employer?
  • Do contractors need a license for small jobs?
  • Are restaurant tips subject to sales tax?
  • How long does an ABC license take?
    • Expect 45–90+ days for straightforward cases; the law requires a 30-day posting. Protests or conditions add time. Source: ABC — License Process.
  • Do I need workers’ compensation if I have no employees?
  • How do I check if my business name is available at the state level?

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your situation is outside these common cases, ask the agencies via the links above or get free advising via the SBDC: Central CA SBDC.

Fresno and California Stats You Can Use (Why It Matters)

  • Fresno city population (2023 estimate): approximately 545,000+. Knowing your market size helps with site selection and finance projections. Source: U.S. Census Bureau — QuickFacts: Fresno city, California.
  • California small businesses drive most local economies; most licensing and tax rules in this guide reference California state law (CDTFA, EDD, SOS), which apply to Fresno. This is why many links point to statewide resources that then narrow down to Fresno-specific offices and portals through CalGOLD.

What To Do If You’re Not in Fresno City Limits

If your business is in an unincorporated area of Fresno County or in another city (Clovis, Sanger, etc.), you must follow that jurisdiction’s licensing rules.

  • Use CalGOLD to select your exact city or “Unincorporated Fresno County”: CalGOLD — Permit Lookup.
  • Fresno County does not have a one-size-fits-all business license for all businesses; however, many activities (food, hazardous materials, certain trades) require county-level permits. Start here: Fresno County — Departments and Services.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re unsure which jurisdiction you’re in, ask the County Assessor/Planning or use the City’s and County’s address tools (linked from their homepages). The SBDC can also help you figure this out.

Table: Where to Apply — Direct Links

Need Direct Official Link
City Business Tax Certificate (Fresno) City of Fresno — Finance (Business Tax page)
Zoning/Permits/Inspections City of Fresno — Planning/Development
Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Fresno County — Clerk/Registrar (FBN)
Seller’s Permit CDTFA — Register Online
Payroll Tax Registration EDD — e-Services for Business
Business Entities CA SOS — Business Programs
Contractors CSLB — Apply or Renew
Alcohol ABC — Licensing
Cannabis DCC — Licensing
Health Permits Fresno County — Environmental Health
Permit Finder (All Types) CalGOLD — State Permit Lookup

“What If” Situations and Plan B Options

  • I’m not ready to lease a space but want to test my product.
    • Try pop-ups inside permitted venues or licensed shared kitchens; ensure host venue’s permits cover your activity and obtain your own Seller’s Permit ($0) if selling taxable goods (CDTFA).
  • My restaurant buildout is taking too long.
    • Ask for a phased plan or early conditional approvals (if available) and sequence equipment orders to match plan review cycles.
  • My ABC application received protests.
    • Work with ABC and community stakeholders; consider license conditions (hours, security) or a different license type/site.
  • I missed my City renewal.
    • Contact City Finance immediately and pay penalties sooner rather than later to stop interest. Set calendar reminders.
  • I started paying employees and forgot to register with EDD.
    • Register now (EDD) and bring your payroll current. Call 1-888-745-3886 for assistance; penalties are lower if you self-correct quickly.

About This Guide

  • Purpose: Give Fresno entrepreneurs a practical, reality-first path to get licensed and open legally, fast — with direct official links and phone numbers.
  • Accuracy: We cite official state and local sources and date this guide for August 2025. Some local fees and portals change. Always click through to confirm the current steps, fees, and forms.
  • Who helped: The structure here follows how California agencies actually process licenses (CDTFA, EDD, SOS, DCA/Boards) and how Fresno handles city-level business tax certificates, zoning, and inspections. For individual help, use the free SBDC network and the contacts listed.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Program rules, fees, and processes change. Always verify details, deadlines, and amounts directly with the responsible agency using the official links and phone numbers in this guide. If you need advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney or tax professional.