Starting Your Business in Vacaville

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This guide will help you navigate the requirements for starting a business in Vacaville. It is for informational purposes only, so you may want to consult a private attorney or tax advisor about your legal obligations.

Before You Start

Starting a business involves many steps, complying with regulations, and processing permits from several different agencies. For foundational business practices and state, federal, and county requirements, this guide provides an overview and directs you to the correct resources (ex. Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Center).

For City of Vacaville requirements, like permitting and business licensing, this guide provides detailed step-by-step information and provides City contacts.

You may work on City and non-City requirements at the same time. As an example, you can apply for a building permit before obtaining your state Seller’s Permit. However, different businesses will have different requirements, and and not every business will need a Seller's Permit.

Not sure where to start? The City’s Economic Development division can assist.

How Economic Development Can Assist

The City’s Economic Development staff are a free resource throughout this process. They can:

Help you identify potential business locations, even before you've settled on a specific site.
Serve as a point of contact if you're not sure which City requirements apply to your business.
Connect you with local resources for business support.

Reach out to the Economic Development Division via email or call/text (707) 430-1805.

Part 1: Foundational Steps

This section points you to the correct resources and agencies for basic business practices beyond City requirements, including general business planning, registering your business structure with the state, and choosing a business name.

Set Your Business Up For Success

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Launching Your Business Guide covers the foundational steps, including market research, business planning, and funding in depth.

For local support, get free 1:1 advising with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

You can schedule a free advising appointment with SBDC to consult with experts on:

Business planning
Financing & accounting
Legal & HR
Operations
Marketing & ROI

SCORE's volunteer mentors provide free, expert business mentoring, education, and resources to entrepreneurs.

Helpful Hint: If you establish your business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership, you must register at the California Secretary of State bizfile Online.

If you're operating under any name other than your own legal name, or for LLCs/corporations, a name different from what is registered with the state, you'll need to file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) statement with Solano County and post a public notice in the newspaper for four weeks. This must be completed before you can apply for your Vacaville business license.

The Solano County Clerk's office manages this process, including filing, fees, and newspaper publication. Visit the Solano County Clerk's FBN page for current forms and instructions.

Part 2: Opening in Vacaville

The City of Vacaville confirms whether your business is allowed to operate in your location, identifies any zoning requirements, issues your business license, issues permits for your space and signage, and inspects certain types of businesses before they open.

Choose Your Location

Still looking for a location?

Economic Development Staff can help you identify potential sites that fit your business (see How Economic Development Can Help above). Once you have a specific location in mind, please contact the Planning Division or visit during office hours at City Hall (650 Merchant Street), to confirm zoning requirements.

What is Zoning?

Zoning is the City's rulebook for what kind of business can go where. Not every space is suitable for every type of business, and zoning regulations exist to protect both you and the community. Certain businesses may need a use permit and a public hearing to comply with zoning regulations.

Planning to work from home?
If you're operating from a residential address, you'll also need a Home Occupation Permit.

Contact the Planning Division

Phone: (707) 449-5140
Email: CommunityDevelopment@CityofVacaville.gov

Get Necessary Building Permits

Every new business requires a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Division. You may need additional building permits depending on what you are doing with the space.

What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy is the City's confirmation that a space is safe and legal for your specific type of business to operate in.

Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy if I’m not modifying the space?

Yes. Even if you're not doing construction, the City needs to verify that the space is safe and appropriate for your specific type of business before you open. Different businesses have different requirements for exits, occupancy limits, ventilation, and more. The Certificate of Occupancy confirms that your space meets the legal requirements for your use.
Planning to modify the space?
Contact the Building Division early. Some changes require approval from outside agencies like Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District or Solano County Resource Management Consumer Division. We recommend bringing in a licensed design professional (ex. architect or contractor) early on because they can help identify required upgrades, accessibility needs, and prepare your permit application.

After reviewing your plans, the Building Division will inform you if your project requires additional permits, including Fire Code Permits or Encroachment Permits.

Contact the Building Division

Phone: (707) 449-5152
Email: Permits@CityofVacaville.gov

Get Your City Business License

Every person or entity doing business in Vacaville needs a City business license, including home-based businesses and residential rental properties. If you need an FBN (see Part 1), that must be completed first.

Licenses expire April 30 every year.
Fees for new licenses are prorated based on when in the year you apply.
Renewal notices go out in March and are due April 30.

Visit the Business Licenses page for more information, and to access the online business license portal.

Closing your business?

Let the City know promptly as delays can result in extra fees and penalties on your account.

Contact the Finance Division

Phone: (707) 449-5185, option 2
Email: Business.LicenseMail@CityofVacaville.gov

Part 3: Get Involved!

As you take your first step toward starting your business in Vacaville, consider becoming a part of the vibrant and active Vacaville business community.

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Vacaville
Visit Vacaville

The mission of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is to provide influential leadership, relevant education, and diverse resources to businesses and our community to improve the economic prosperity of Vacaville.

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