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1. Can I get a sign for my business?

For information regarding signs, please contact our Planning Department at 559-585-4768.

A sign permit will be required from the Planning Division and the Building Division.

To apply for sign permits (Planning and Building) please submit via the Citizen Self Service Portal.

Hanford Municipal Code Chapter 17.56 SIGNS AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURES

2. Do I need a license for a home-based business?

Anyone conducting business in the city limits of Hanford is required to obtain a business license regardless of location.

If conducting a home-based business, a Home Occupation permit is required.

Hanford Municipal Code 17.78.050 Operating standards for Home Occupations 

To apply for a home occupation permit, please submit via the Citizen Self Service Portal.

3. How do I find out about bidding for city contracts?

All requests for proposals are published to our website. Please visit the Bids and Contracts page for further information. 

4. How much does a business license or permit cost?

As of January 1, 2022, all business licenses are issued on an annual basis, (January-December). The license fee for your first year of business will be the minimum payment. For a retail-based business the fee is $20 (or $40 if the business is located in the improvement district). If your business is a sub-contractor - $40, General Contractor - $60, if professional or other set rate business we can determine the fee for you when you sign up for your business license. The payment due date is January 31st. For Gross Receipt category licenses, fees are based upon the previous annual gross receipts. A $100 late fee will be applied after the January 31 due date, but will be reduced to $50 if paid within five business days. See Master Fee Schedule for a complete list of fees.

New Business License Application Processing Fee - $40

Administrative Fee for Renewals - $10

5. Who do I contact if I want to sell goods or services at an event in the city?

If you would like to sell goods or services at an event in the City please contact our Recreation Department at the number listed.

Phone: 559-585-2522

6. What city land or property is for sale?

Please contact our Economic Development Department regarding any City owned properties that are for sale at the number listed.

Phone: 559-585-2580

7. What is a certificate of occupancy permit?

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued whenever a new building is constructed within the city limits. Inspections are conducted to ensure that the basic construction, wiring, plumbing, and other elements of the building are up to code, and can be certified as being safe for occupation.

8. Where do I get or renew my taxi license?

Please contact the Finance Department at 559-585-2512. You can apply for a Taxi or Bus permit via the Citizen Self Service Portal.

9. What do I need to start a business?

Depending on the type of business, location of the business, and former use of the building used for the business, various applications and permits may be required.

To understand the full list of requirements, please contact the Planning Division at (559) 585-2580 with the following information:

1. Location of the proposed business – Address or APN required

1. Will the business be conducted from a residence?
2. Will the business be conducted from a storefront?

2. Type of Business Proposed

Zoning will determine the uses allowed within the zone district.

The zoning map can be found here.

Land uses are permitted, as shown in the Land Use Table.

A site plan review may be required whenever there is a change in the occupancy of the building, determined by the former legal use. (i.e. Office to Restaurant; Retail to Office). Additionally a conditional use permit may be required, if the use is shown as a C in the Land Use Table.

If operating a home-based business, a Home Occupation Permit is required.

Home-based businesses and storefronts both require a Business License.

To apply for a home occupation permit and/or business license, please submit via the Citizen Self Service Portal.