Business Certificates
Thank you for choosing to do business in the City of Solvang! All businesses operating within city limits must obtain a valid Business Certificate.
This page provides the information and resources you need to apply, renew, or update your certificate. We’re here to support you and ensure compliance with local regulations. If you have questions, our staff is ready to help.
All required forms may be submitted in person, by mail with payment, by email to certificates@cityofsolvang.com, or online through the Business Certificate Portal. Payment for Business Certificates can be made by cash or check (payable to the City of Solvang) when submitting in person or by mail, or by credit/debit card when paying online through the Business Certificate Portal.
Need help renewing through the Business Certificate Portal?
Review the help documents below or contact staff at certificates@cityofsolvang.com or (805) 688-5575.
<<<Business Certificate Portal>>>
Click link above to access Business Certificate Portal
Portal Help Documents:
Mailing address can be found below:
Attn: Certificates
1644 Oak Street
Solvang, CA 93463
Form | Fee | Required for | Notes |
$125.00 | All new Business Certificate applicants § 4-9-2Certificate required. | Business Certificates run on a calendar year (January 1-December 31) and must be renewed annually. Additional forms and fees may be due, please review information below. | |
$65.00 | All current and active Business Certificates | Business Certificates run on a calendar year (January 1-December 31) and must be renewed annually.
| |
$50.00 | Businesses within city limits to ensure that your business/and or business location are compliant with the City of Solvang's Municipal Code. 11-2-1Purpose.
| *Required in addition to the New Applicant Package and fees OR when a business moves to a new location within city limits. *Please allow up to 30 days for processing | |
$100.00 | Businesses based out of the home within city limits § 11-12-11Home occupations.
| A Home Occupation Permit is a one-time fee *Required in addition to the New Applicant Package and fees OR when an existing home-based business moves to a new home address within city limits.
|
Additional Information:
Existing Businesses
- 2026 Business Certificate renewal notices have been mailed. Renewals are due by December 31, 2025. *If no renewal notice is received, it is the responsibility of the business owner to contact the city and follow up on the renewal process*
New Businesses
- Review the information and applicable laws below.
- Turn in completed application and payment via mail, online, or in person at the address listed above. The application will then be routed for approval by the appropriate department.
Once your application is approved, you will be sent a digital copy of your certificate via email, or a physical copy can be mailed upon request, along with an electronic receipt sent to the email address provided on your application.
Master Fee Schedule- Effective 07/01/2025
Home Based Business
*Only Applicable to Businesses in City Limits Operating out of a Home Address*
If your business is based out of the home, it will require a Home Occupation Permit (in addition to a Business Certificate). Please complete the Home Occupation Permit Application and submit along with your Business Certificate Application. A Home Occupation Permit is a one-time fee of $100.00, whereas the Business Certificate needs to be renewed annually. The home occupation is only valid for the person to whom it is issued at the address specified in the application.
Property APN can be found at Assessor Map Secured Property Look Up (sbcassessor.com)
Disability Access Law
California Government Code Section 4467 requires the City of Solvang to collect an additional $4.00 with the Business Certificate fee. We are also required to notify all business that 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:
- Disability Access Requirements and Resources
- Division of the State Architect at www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Home.aspx
- Department of Rehabilitation at www.rehab.cahwnet.gov
- California Commission on Disability Access at www.ccda.ca.gov
Mandatory Commercial Recycling
California Public Resources Code Section 42649.2 requires a business that generates four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week, or is a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more, shall arrange for recycling services. A business can utilize one, or any combination of the following in order to reuse, recycle, compost or otherwise divert solid waste from disposal:
1) Self haul
2) Subscribe to an approved hauler services
3) Arrange for the pickup of recyclable materials
4) Subscribe to an approved recycling service that may include mixed waste processing that yields diversion results comparable to source separation.
A property owner of a commercial business or multifamily residential dwelling may require tenants to source separate their recyclable material to aid in compliance with the law.
Tenant Improvements
If you plan to do any tenant improvements, please contact the City of Solvang Building Department staff for any required permits or additional information, at 805-688-5575.
Public Information
Your business certificate is a public record and the information provided in your business certificate application is subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act, except financial information, social security or tax ID numbers, and other information as specifically exempted under the Act.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding Business Certificates, please contact the City at 805-688-5575.