Business License Information
Applications for a Town of Paradise Business License can be applied for online using the following link, Get Your Business License Online Here, or by completing the fillable PDF Business License Application and emailing melvis@townofparadise.com.
A video explaining how to register for an account can be found here.
The following outlines the provisions for maintaining and Business License in the Town of Paradise as set forth by the Paradise Municipal Code:
5.22.030 - Business license.
Notwithstanding any other provision of Title 5, all businesses doing business within the town jurisdiction shall register annually with the town. Existing businesses shall register no later than January 1, 2019. All new businesses shall register before conducting any activities or providing any goods or services within the town. After the initial license, each business shall renew their business license annually. A business operating in another city that has no physical location in town, but provides services to town residents or businesses shall be required to obtain a business license from the town. A business operating in another city which only provides deliveries to town residents or businesses shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 568, § 1, 3-13-2018)
5.22.040 - License information.
The business license required by this chapter shall be in addition to any other business license requirement of Title 5. All businesses shall provide the required information on the application, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Name of owner;
• Mailing and site address;
• Assessor's parcel number of business site;
• Contact name and phone numbers, including emergency contacts;
• Type of business/specific activities being conducted on premises;
• Alarm company contact (if applicable);
• Building security information (lights, back entries, etc.);
• Whether hazardous materials or chemicals will be used and/or stored at the business location;
• Such other and further information as is deemed necessary to enforce the laws described and administer provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 568, § 1, 3-13-2018)
5.22.050 - Number of licenses.
In instances where space within an office building, shopping center, warehouse, department store or other structure or property is leased for business or commercial use, each tenant of the premises operating an enterprise required to be licensed hereunder shall apply for and obtain a general business license; provided, that aggregations of identical businesses (such as, but not limited to, antique malls, barber and beauty salons, offices housing multiple independent agents such as insurance or real estate, or other similar enterprises) in one location shall require only one general business license for the location.
When a particular business has more than one fixed location or branch within the incorporated area, a separate general business license shall be required for each location or branch.
(Ord. No. 568, § 1, 3-13-2018)
5.22.060 - Fee.
All new license applicants shall pay a forty dollar ($44.00) administrative fee to the town. All renewal license applicants shall pay a twenty-five dollar ($29.00) annual administrative fee to the town. The annual fee shall not be increased except by amendment of this section. Any business that obtains a license prior to July 1 ,2019 shall be exempt from paying the forty dollar ($44.00) fee, but shall be required to renew their license annually and pay the twenty-five dollar ($29.00) fee. A business that is required to obtain a special license under another chapter of this Title 5 shall be exempt from paying the fee under this section. A home-based business that is operated entirely out of a place of residence shall be exempt from paying the fee under this section. A financial institution that pays the bank and corporation tax to the State of California shall be exempt from paying the fee under this section. A church shall be exempt from paying the fee under this section.
(Ord. No. 574, § 1, 1-23-2019; Ord. No. 568, § 1, 3-13-2018)
5.22.070 - Exemption.
A business license shall not be required for, and the provisions of this chapter shall not be otherwise applicable to the following enterprises:
A. Libraries: Libraries, whether publicly or privately operated, are exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
B. Agriculture: The following agricultural activities are exempt: agricultural pursuits consisting of the growing of crops, raising of livestock, and dairying, including auxiliary and ancillary uses incidental to the operation of a farm or ranch, consisting of the purchase and storage of substances, materials, supplies, animal feeds and produce, and the marketing of farm products; provided, however, that a general business license shall be required in connection with any wholesaling, processing, storage or manufacturing use which involves assembly of the products of multiple farms or ranches by a cooperative or other business enterprise for marketing distribution.
C. Businesses located outside Paradise, that deliver to Paradise addresses, but provide no other service: A business located outside the town limits that delivers products to Paradise addresses, but provides no other service shall be exempt.
D. Service clubs: Groups identified as service clubs, whose membership is made of up of volunteers and who gather to serve their community and whose aim is to promote community welfare shall be exempt. This includes groups such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Moose International, local garden clubs, scouting organizations, etc.
E. Nonprofit organizations with no paid employees or physical place of business: Nonprofit tax-exempt organizations that do not have paid employees, or which do not have a physical place of business shall be exempt from obtaining a business license.
F. Vendors at community events: Vendors who participate in town approved and permitted events shall be exempt from obtaining a business license.
G. Residential rental properties: Residential rental properties with no more than one unit shall be exempt from obtaining a business license.
H. Persons exempt from business license fees pursuant to federal or state law.
(Ord. No. 568, § 1, 3-13-2018)
5.22.080 - Penalty.
It shall be unlawful and an infraction for any person to violate this chapter. If a person is found guilty of violating this chapter, the fine shall be in accordance with Government Code Section 36900.
(Ord. No. 568, § 1, 3-13-2018)
MANDATORY ADA DISCLOSURE
ATTENTION: You may be subject to liability for failure to meet your legal obligation to comply with state and federal disability access laws. The recent issuance or renewal of a business license or equivalent instrument or permit, does not mean that your business has been determined to be in compliance with state and federal disability access laws.
ENSURING EQUAL ACCESS TO YOUR BUSINESS
The State of California wants to ensure that all people have equal access to public and private services. Many people with disabilities do not have equal access to services because many business owners do not take the time to ensure that their businesses are accessible. Some common problems disabled people encounter are:
(1) The building has architectural barriers that make it difficult or impossible for someone using a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device to get inside or move around.
(2) The business uses a website that does not work with screen reading devices and other assistive technology.
(3) The business does not allow people with disabilities to enter the building with their service animals.
(4) The staff do not receive ADA training and do not know about the requirements to modify practices or to provide auxiliary aids and services.
As the operator of a business, it is your responsibility to ensure that your business provides equal access to people with disabilities. Refusing to make your business accessible is discrimination under state and federal law. People with disabilities and the government have the right to sue businesses that discriminate.
The best way to protect yourself from a lawsuit is to make your business accessible. Here are some important steps you should take:
(1) Schedule an inspection with a Certified Access Specialist. A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a person who the State of California recognizes as having specialized knowledge of accessibility standards. They can inspect your business and tell you what changes you need to make for your business to be accessible to disabled people. Getting a CASp inspection has important benefits, like giving you extra protection in a lawsuit.
To find a CASp in your area, contact the CASp Program at the Division of the State Architect. You can also visit www.apps2.dgs.ca.gov/DSA/casp/casp_certified_list.aspx. Additionally, you should contact your local government and ask what resources it has to help businesses comply with disability access laws. The State of California makes money available to local governments to create programs that help business owners comply with disability access laws.
(2) Learn about accessibility laws from reliable sources. There is a lot of misinformation about accessibility laws. Get information about your rights and responsibilities as a business owner from reliable, trustworthy sources. California has several agencies that provide fact sheets, training, and other educational materials about accessibility. In fact, one of these agencies, the California Commission on Disability Access, was created by the Legislature for the purpose of helping businesses comply with accessibility laws. You should contact the following agencies and ask for information on how to comply with accessibility laws:
The California Commission on Disability Access: www.ccda.ca.gov.
The Division of the State Architect: www.dgs.ca.gov.
The Department of Rehabilitation: www.dor.ca.gov.
(3) Making your business accessible is good for everyone. It makes your business available to more customers. It also promotes fair and equal access. We thank you for doing your part to help make California a great place for everyone!”
“Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:
The Division of the State Architect at www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Home.aspx.
The Department of Rehabilitation at www.rehab.cahwnet.gov.
The California Commission on Disability Access at www.ccda.ca.gov.”
