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City of Vacaville
Finance Division
650 Merchant Street
Vacaville, CA 95688

(707) 449-5185, option 2

Business Licenses - Transient Occupancy Tax

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Effective October 1, 2023, HDL Companies will be taking over the collection of all TOT monies, returns and auditing services. Instead of filing with the City, you will now file directly with HDL’s TOT Processing Center.

TOT Website: Vacaville.hdlgov.com
TOT Phone #: (707) 324-0453
TOT Email: VacavilleTOT@hdlgov.com

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What is a Business License?
Business licenses are permits that allow a business to operate within the city limits of Vacaville. They serve as a registration of business and are revenue generating, not regulatory.
How can I apply for a business license?
You may apply online at https://businesslicense.cityofvacaville.com/primeweb

Or, obtain a paper application either on our website or in person at the Finance front counter at City Hall, 650 Merchant St, Vacaville, CA 95688
How are the fees charged?
Fees are based on the number of full-time equivalent employees (2 part-time employees who work 25 hours or less may equal 1 full-time employee). The owner of the business is considered an employee. Reduced and exempt fees are available for qualified residential businesses within the city limits of Vacaville only. Non-Profits are exempt from fees with proper 501c3 documentation.
What are the Business Classifications?
- SERVICE - bookkeeper, lawn care, janitorial, etc.
- RETAIL/WHOLESALE/MANUFACTURING - restaurants, clothing stores, bakery, etc.
- CONTRACTORS - general construction, electrical, plumbing, etc.
- PROFESSIONAL - notary, doctor, lawyer, consultants, etc.
Who else needs a business license?
- Vending Machine companies
- Apartments (2-units or more)
- Mobile Home Parks
- Motels/Hotels
- Taxi Companies (must register with Vacaville PD and the City Manager’s office prior to submitting your business license application)
- Rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft, etc….)
- Craft Fair Vendors
- Special Events
- Food Trucks
- Massage (may only apply at City Hall)
What is considered to be a "business?"
A business is anyone who holds transactions and or charges fees for their product or service within the city limits of Vacaville. This includes but not limited to:
- Anyone doing business within the city limits of Vacaville – even if only for 1 day
- Anyone living in Vacaville who is using their home address as their business address (please note we do not license to a P.O. Box, if you do not want your home address displayed please use the Service of Process section on the business license application)
- Anyone who has a business office or satellite office within the city limits of Vacaville.
How can I get more information or sign up for the Safe Business Program?
Contact Community Service via e-mail SafeBusiness@CityofVacaville.com or (707)449-5267.
How can Safe Business help me?
The Safe Business program uses partnerships and proven strategies to reduce crime within the Vacaville business districts. Studies show that higher crime areas impose costs on communities through lower property values, higher insurance premiums, and reduction in pedestrian traffic. Subsequently, a safer business tends to lead to higher consumer rates; thus, a healthy, thriving business and local community.
How do I get certified through the Safe Business Program?
- 4 hours training session for business owners and/or managers
- On-site CPTED evaluation with recommendations
- Follow-up evaluation with certification
What are the benefits of the Safe Business program?
- Direct access to Vacaville Police Department's Community Response Unit (CRU)
- Tailored security and safety evaluation(s) specific to your business
- Continual updates on the latest safety tips and information on local crime
- Invitations to Safe Business events and meetings
- Free materials, including Safe Business decals
- Increased customer volume - safety equals business!
What will the Safe Business Program cost me?
The Safe Business Program will be provided free of charge by the Vacaville Police Department; this includes: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) inspections, signage, trainings and other materials.
Who can participate in the Safe Business Program?
Any and all businesses located within the City of Vacaville.

Vacaville, CA

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Contact Us

Business Licenses - Transient Occupancy Tax

What is a Business License?

How can I apply for a business license?

How are the fees charged?

What are the Business Classifications?

Who else needs a business license?

What is considered to be a "business?"

How can I get more information or sign up for the Safe Business Program?

How can Safe Business help me?

How do I get certified through the Safe Business Program?

What are the benefits of the Safe Business program?

What will the Safe Business Program cost me?

Who can participate in the Safe Business Program?