Pages - BusinessLicenses

Business License Rates

If Your Business is Located Within the Clovis City Limits

Minimum license fees will be prorated to the calendar quarter in which business is started. The maximum annual license fee is $6,804.00. The business license fee will be the calculated rate (based on the estimated gross receipts for Clovis listed on your application) or the minimum license fee, (see below) WHICHEVER IS GREATER. Your business will be classified in accordance with the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual. If your business is located within the Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) additional fees will apply.

Business License Fees for New Businesses (Yearly and Pro-rated per Quarter)

If Purchased between – January 1 to March 31 (1st Quarter) - $167.00
IF Purchased between – April 1 to June 30 (2nd Quarter) - $125.25
If Purchased between – July 1 to September 30 (3rd Quarter) - $ 83.50
If Purchased between – October 1 to December 31 (4th Quarter) - $ 41.75

The minimum business license fee for existing businesses is $167.00 per year. For more information about Contractor Rates and Service Delivery Rates, please select the Business License Rates link.

Business License Rates.pdf

Business License Fee Waiver Program

The Business License Fee Waiver Program allows home-based businesses moving into a commercial unit in the City of Clovis, to obtain a one-time two-year business license fee waiver. To qualify, businesses are required to complete a small business training course offered by the Central Valley Business Incubator (CVBI) or Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Proof of completing either course will be required to receive the waiver. In addition, businesses must have a current businesses license.
For more information please call 324-2083.

CVBI can be reached at 559-292-9033 or by visiting: www.cvbi.org. SBDC can be reached at 559-230-4056 or by visiting: http://www.ccsbdc.org/

Fire Safety Requirements

A minimum of one 2A10BC fire extinguisher needs to be provided for every 3,000 sq. ft. of floor area. It must be mounted on the wall no higher than 5’ above the floor. Additional fire extinguishers shall be provided as determined by the Fire Marshal. Extinguishers shall be serviced annually and shall have a current service tag attached. Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Additional fire protections may be required depending upon the type of business. If you have any other questions, please contact the Clovis Fire Department.

Business License Application

Clovis Business License Application

Clovis business license application and information. Adobe .pdf document (587KB)

Home Occupation Permit

Home Occupation Permit Application

Please use this form to apply for a home occupation permit. Adobe .pdf document (30KB)

Ordinance Regarding Home Occupations

The City of Clovis Ordinance 09-11 with the Municipal Code rules for home occupations. Adobe .pdf document (212KB)

Sign Regulations

As you may not be aware, the City of Clovis has a comprehensive sign ordinance for commercial uses. The temporary sign section of the Clovis Ordinance allows business owners the right to advertise specials, conduct promotions, and have seasonal displays in conjunction with the placement of permanent signs. For your convenience, we have listed a few of the specific items which may be of interest to you.

Promotional Banners: The display of promotional banners is allowed three times per year. These displays are limited to a fourteen-day display period, and may not exceed in size the total allowable sign area for the lease space. Please visit or call the City of Clovis Planning Division to fill out a temporary sign form prior to hanging the banner(s) at your place of business.

Grand Opening: Please be advised that “A” frame and “I” frame type signs are not allowed in the City of Clovis, with the exception of a Grand Opening event. Grand Opening signs shall be limited to only one grand opening and a maximum display time of thirty (30) days per business, with written notification given to the Planning and Development Services Director.

Holiday Promotions: Within the eight identified holiday periods temporary promotion signs, as allowed by this ordinance, may be displayed without obtaining a sign permit or prior approval, by the city. The allowed holidays and promotional display periods, totaling 57 days, are as follows:

Valentine’s day and the preceding 6 days
Easter and the preceding 4 days
Last day of the Clovis Rodeo and the preceding 4 days
Memorial Day and the preceding 4 days
July 4th and the preceding 4 days
Halloween and the preceding 4 days
Thanksgiving and the preceding 9 days
Christmas/New Years (December 16 to December 31st)

Please keep in mind that moveable signs (balloons, or other inflated devices, flags), and “Burma Shave” type signs are not allowed in the City of Clovis. All other signs, temporary or permanent do require a City permit prior to placement. It is our sincere desire to help keep Clovis’ business district attractive and viable. Please feel free to contact the Planning Department office for any questions or for further information on our sign ordinance at (559) 324-2340.