CLEARLAKE – Starting in January the Clearlake Police Department will kick off an enforcement campaign to ensure that certain businesses are complying with municipal codes.

A report from Lt. Mike Hermann of Clearlake Police said the department is on the lookout for violations of Clearlake City Municipal Code Section 6-3.1, which stipulates that businesses must first procure a business license in order to operate legally within the city.

Some businesses are exempt from the requirement, Hermann reported, including those that result in sales from a booth or stand located within a duly licensed flea market, swap meet or similar type of business, as well as limited real estate actions as listed in the Clearlake Municipal Code.

Businesses included in the code which require a business license, Hermann said, include:

• Auctions and liquidation sales.

• Any work done on real property located within the city, including, but not limited to, construction, repairs, alterations, pest control, chimney sweeping, landscaping, janitorial service, and liquefied petroleum gas sales and service.

• The services of a real estate licensee in connection with the proposed sale or rental of real property within the city.

• Unlicensed flea markets and swap meets, and outdoor festivals.

• The rental or leasing of any real or personal property located within the city limits for any term shorter than 30 days.

• Five or more sales of real property located in the city by the owner in any 12-month period.

• The rental or offering for rent of more than one nonresidential unit located within the city limits in any 12-month period.

In an effort to gain full compliance with this code section, Hermann reported that Clearlake Police officers will conduct business license checks upon receipt of complaints or witnessed violations during the normal course of their duties.

In cases where persons or businesses are found to be conducting business or sales without a valid license, Hermann said a warning will initially be issued and the owner/proprietor will be directed to obtain a license before continuing any further business.

Once a warning has been issued, Hermann said additional violations will result in citations leading to court appearances, and possible court-mandated fines and penalties.

Businesses or persons with questions about the business license requirements should contact Clearlake City Hall at 707-994-8201.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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