The Tobacco Retailer License Application is the City of Sacramento form, run by the Code Compliance Division's Business Compliance Unit, for applying for a new tobacco retailer license or renewing an existing one. If you came looking for a Sacramento business license, note that this application sits alongside other City paperwork: it asks for a copy of the business's current Business Operating Tax Certificate issued by the City. Tobacco retailers use it, and new applicants must also include an approved Conditional Use Permit. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the City of Sacramento publishes the original form.
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What is Tobacco Retailer License Application – Sacramento, CA?
The Tobacco Retailer License Application is the City of Sacramento form that tobacco retailers submit to the Code Compliance Division's Business Compliance Unit to apply for a new tobacco retailer license or to renew an existing one under Sacramento City Code Chapter 5.138.
The form has one set of lines for both cases. Renewal applicants enter their existing tobacco license number at the top; new applicants leave it blank. The application then collects business information, whether ownership has changed since the last license was issued, the ownership structure (sole proprietor, corporation, partnership or limited liability company), and details for each proprietor. The form defines a proprietor as a person with an ownership or managerial interest, and an ownership interest exists at a 10% or greater interest in the stock, assets or income of the business.
Two location rules shape the application. Sacramento City Code section 5.138.040 (B) prohibits issuing a new license, or a renewal when the existing license has expired, if another tobacco license is within 1,000 feet of the desired location. Section 5.138.040 (B)(2) provides an exemption, the Healthy Food Exemption, which the applicant requests by checking a box and supporting with the separate Healthy Food Exemption form.
The fee is non-refundable. The last block, Official Use Only, is completed by the City to record approval or denial.
Who needs to file Tobacco Retailer License Application – Sacramento, CA?
Retailers who sell tobacco in the City of Sacramento and need a tobacco retailer license file this application, either as a new applicant or to renew an existing license.
- New applicants complete the form without an existing license number and must include an approved Conditional Use Permit to retail tobacco, issued by the Community Development Department.
- Renewal applicants enter their existing tobacco license number. If the existing license has expired, the 1,000-foot rule in Sacramento City Code section 5.138.040 (B) applies to the renewal.
- Proprietors sign the affirmation. The form has signature lines for Proprietor 1 and Proprietor 2, and each proprietor is a person with an ownership or managerial interest in the business.
- Businesses requesting the Healthy Food Exemption check the exemption box. Applicants who are not requesting it must leave the box unchecked.
A business cannot be licensed under the form if another tobacco license is within 1,000 feet of the desired location, unless the Healthy Food Exemption applies. The form does not describe who may sign on behalf of a proprietor.
When to file Tobacco Retailer License Application – Sacramento, CA
File the application when you are seeking a new tobacco retailer license for a location, or when you are renewing an existing license. The form prints no due date and no renewal window of its own.
Before you apply, check the location. Sacramento City Code section 5.138.040 (B) prohibits issuing a new license, and a renewal if the existing license is expired, when another tobacco license is within 1,000 feet of the desired location. Applicants who meet the Healthy Food Exemption conditions request it on the same application.
New applicants also need an approved Conditional Use Permit before the application is complete, so that permit comes first. For timing questions, the Business Compliance Unit can be reached at (916) 808-8038 or [email protected].
Documents you need
- A completed, signed and accurate Tobacco Retailer License Application signed by each proprietor named; applications missing any requirement are rejected or denied.
- A copy of a valid and current Tobacco Retailer License issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
- A copy of a current and valid Business Operating Tax Certificate issued to the business by the City of Sacramento.
- A copy of an approved Conditional Use Permit to retail tobacco issued by the Community Development Department; required for new applicants only.
- A check or money order payable to CITY OF SACRAMENTO for the application fee, mailed or delivered to the Business Compliance Unit address on the form.
How to fill out Tobacco Retailer License Application – Sacramento, CA
Enter your existing license number
Renewal applicants write the existing tobacco license number in the line at the top. New applicants leave it blank.
Decide on the Healthy Food Exemption
Check the Request for Health Food Exemption box only if you are requesting the exemption. Review the requirements on the City's exemption page first, and do not check the box otherwise.
Complete the business information
Enter the Name of Business, Business Contact No., Business Address and Billing Address, each with city, state and ZIP code.
Answer the ownership change question
Mark YES or NO to whether ownership of the tobacco retailer store has changed since the last tobacco license was issued. If YES, give the name of the previous owner.
Select the ownership structure
Mark Sole Proprietor, Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Company.
Enter Proprietor 1 details
Give the proprietor's name, contact number, home address with city, state and ZIP code, and email. A proprietor is a person with an ownership or managerial interest in the business.
Complete the corporation or LLC section
For a corporation or LLC, enter the name as filed with the California Secretary of State, the corporation number, mailing address, email, and the name and address of the Agent for Service of Process.
Read the requirements and sign
Read the notes on Sacramento City Code section 5.138.040 (B) and Chapter 5.138. Each proprietor enters Title, Date and Signature on the Affirmation Certification lines.
Review, download and assemble
Check every entry, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF. Add the required copies and payment, and submit them through the channels described under How to submit.
How to submit Tobacco Retailer License Application – Sacramento, CA
The form lists a check or money order, mailed or delivered to the Business Compliance Unit, as part of the package, and the Unit can also be reached by phone and email.
- Mail or deliver: ATTN: Business Compliance Unit / Tobacco Retailer License, 300 Richards Blvd, 3rd floor, Sacramento, CA 95811. Include the signed application, the required copies and a check or money order payable to CITY OF SACRAMENTO.
- Phone: (916) 808-8038, for help with the application. You may also call to request an in-person consultation.
- Email: [email protected].
A fee applies, it is non-refundable, and a technology fee is assessed on fees and charges. The form prints the amounts for new and renewal applications; confirm the current figures with the Business Compliance Unit. Applications submitted without all the listed requirements will be rejected or denied. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the application without every listed requirement; the form says applications missing any of them will be rejected or denied.
- Leaving out the approved Conditional Use Permit as a new applicant; the permit requirement applies to new applicants only.
- Checking the Healthy Food Exemption box when you are not requesting the exemption; the form says not to check it.
- Applying for a location with another tobacco license within 1,000 feet without qualifying for the Healthy Food Exemption.
- Entering a corporation or LLC name that differs from the name filed with the California Secretary of State.
- Answering YES to the ownership change question without writing the previous owner's name.
- Making the check or money order out to anyone other than CITY OF SACRAMENTO.
- Expecting a refund of the fee if the application is denied or withdrawn; the form states the fee is non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tobacco Retailer License Application in Sacramento?
It is the City of Sacramento form used to apply for a new tobacco retailer license or to renew an existing one. The Code Compliance Division's Business Compliance Unit handles it under Sacramento City Code Chapter 5.138.
Is this the same as a Sacramento business license?
No. This form is for the tobacco retailer license. It asks you to attach a copy of a current and valid Business Operating Tax Certificate issued to the business by the City of Sacramento, so that certificate must already be in place.
What documents do I send with the application?
Include copies of your California Department of Tax and Fee Administration tobacco license and your City Business Operating Tax Certificate, plus a check or money order payable to CITY OF SACRAMENTO. New applicants also include an approved Conditional Use Permit.
Can I get a tobacco license near another tobacco retailer?
Not within 1,000 feet, unless an exemption applies. Sacramento City Code 5.138.040 (B) bars new licenses, and renewals of expired licenses, near another tobacco license. The Healthy Food Exemption in (B)(2) is requested by checking the box on the form.
What is the Healthy Food Exemption?
It is an exemption to the 1,000-foot rule for a licensee that devotes no more than 5% of total shelf space to tobacco products and at least 10% to the fresh and healthy food categories the code lists. A separate Healthy Food Exemption form applies.
How much does the tobacco retailer license cost?
The form prints separate fees for new and renewal applications, plus a technology fee. The fee is non-refundable. Confirm the current amounts with the Business Compliance Unit at (916) 808-8038 before sending payment.
Where do I send the Sacramento tobacco license application?
Mail or deliver it, with your check or money order, to ATTN: Business Compliance Unit / Tobacco Retailer License, 300 Richards Blvd, 3rd floor, Sacramento, CA 95811. Questions go to (916) 808-8038 or [email protected].
Can I fill out the tobacco retailer license application online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent of the City of Sacramento and does not file the application; you submit it through the Business Compliance Unit's channels.
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