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1. When will I get paid for doing business with the City?

All invoices will be processed within 10 days from the date that accounts payable receives the invoices. Checks are run each week on Wednesday and released Friday for mailing (excluding holidays).

2. Who should I contact regarding status of an outstanding invoice?

The first point of contact should be the department to which you have provided services or goods. Please allow a turn around time of 20-30 days. Vendors should not call the accounts payable division directly. The city department will follow up with the accounts payable division.

3. What can I do to help expedite payment of an invoice?

Invoices should have, a Purchase Order number and contact person or department. This will help identify the correct department for prompt processing.

4. Can a vendor pick up a check from City Hall?

No, all checks are mailed to the vendor’s mailing address in the City’s financial system.

5. Do I contact the City of Richmond for garbage/refuse liens?

The City of Richmond does not release liens for garbage/refuse. Interested parties should contact Richmond Sanitary Service at 510-262-7141. Richmond Sanitary Service will provide the requested demand notice and will clear the lien once they receive payment.

6. How do I start a business?

If your business is located within the City limits of Richmond, contact the Business License Division at 510-620-6742 for a “How to get a Business License in the City of Richmond” brochure. The law requires businesses to obtain all the permits, licenses, and/or authorizations that pertain to that business. Various governing authorities have requirements that must be met.

7. Do you need a City of Richmond business license?

Yes, all businesses operating within the City limits of Richmond (including subcontractors and landlords) must have a business license as required under the City’s Municipal Code. Application forms are located on the Business License section of the City’s website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/bl
The City has established various zoning regulations, which control the location and operation of all commercial activity. You should consider checking with the Planning Department at (510) 620-6705 before purchasing property or signing lease agreements.

8. How do I get a license?

It’s easy. All you need to do is to come to the Finance Department at Richmond City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Second Floor. We will provide you with a “Business Start-up Checklist” and guide you through the process.

9. How much does it cost? When are monies due?

The basic business license tax is $234.10 annually plus an additional $46.80 per employee for the first 25 and then $40.10 per employee in excess of 25. The number of employees is determined by the average number employed or to be employed. The full amount of the business license tax, zoning compliance fee ($27) inspection fee(s) ($91) are due at the time you submit the business license application. On September 19, 2012 Governor Brown signed into law SB-1186, which adds a state fee of $1 to each application for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal thereof.

10. How do I pay a Business/Rental License online?

**On-line payments (Google Chrome) http://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us 

1^st Time users must set-up an account 

Under License Tab

Select  search – If using license or business number NO SPACE/DASH

Select search – verify information & double click

Fee Tab indicates the amount due

Verify amount and select  “Pay All Fees”

 Please retain this page for your records.  Your City of Richmond Business License Certificate will be mailed within 10 business days.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day.

11. Do state licensed contractors require a license?

Definitely. Every person or business regulated by the Contractor’s State License Board must apply for a Richmond license and complete a Contractor’s License Statement which is available from the Finance Department.

12. What are license monies used for?

These fees help pay for Police and Fire Protection as well as libraries, parks, streets and other public services.

It is mandated by the Richmond City Code that businesses be licensed. We are currently undertaking a massive project to license those businesses that have not complied with these requirements. Please be a partner with your fellow Esteemed Richmond Businesses and the citizens of Richmond.

If you are licensed and paid in full, we thank you.
If you are NOT licensed or paid in full, please come and see us.