Business

What business incentives are available?

The City of Rocklin provides businesses and developers with assistance in the site location/development process including:

  • development fee estimates
  • development permit assistance
  • financing
  • labor training and assistance
  • utility rebates and incentives

See Business Incentives for details or contact the Economic Development Office in the City Manager’s Office at 916.625.5600 and ask for Rob Braulik, Assistant City Manager.


What licenses do I need to start a business?

You must obtain a City of Rocklin business license if you are planning on opening a business located in the City of Rocklin, or doing business within the City’s limits.

Depending on your business, you may also need a:

  • fictitious business name statement
  • state seller’s permit
  • home business permit
  • certificate of occupancy
  • business license from another city or county

Find out what you need for your Business License


How much does a business license cost?
The cost of the license is dependant on the type of business that you are operating. 

To determine the total cost of the business license application process, see the Business License section.

Can I get a sign for my business?
Yes, however, you will need to obtain a sign permit from the City of Rocklin’s Planning Division 916.625.5160.  Most signs also require a permit from the Building Division. Please call 916.625.5120 to determine if a building permit is also required for your sign.

Each shopping center has its own rules on the type of sign permitted (illuminated, non-illuminated, halo-lit, etc.), so consult your landlord on any special sign criteria they might have. 

You are also permitted to display temporary banners over your business for a maximum of 90 days in a calendar year (January 1 through December 31).  You will need to obtain a sign permit from the Planning Division prior to displaying the banner.  Please contact Planning at 916.625.5160. 

Sign Placement Information

Do I need a license to work from home?
If you are an employee of a company and telecommute or occasionally work at home, you do not need a City of Rocklin business license.

If you have your own home-based business in Rocklin, you will need a:

  • City of Rocklin Business License
  • Home Business Permit

You may also need a:

  • Fictitious Business Name Statement
  • Seller's Permit


For additional information, see the Business License section.

 

What is a certificate of occupancy?
A certificate of occupancy is an approval from the City of Rocklin’s Community Development Department stating that the building or tenant space is suitable to be occupied by the incoming tenant.  The City is checking to see if the use of the building will conform to Building and Zoning codes.

What is a conditional use permit?
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is needed when a proposed land use potentially can be located on a property, but further review is required by the City and requires approval from the Planning Commission. 

CUPs are required for uses that potentially could have an adverse impact on the existing neighborhood.  An example would be a senior assisted living facility being located adjacent to a single-family residential neighborhood.  Through the process of reviewing and approving a CUP, any impacts such as noise or traffic can be addressed and mitigated for.  Contact the Planning Division 916.625.5160 for more information.

How do I find out about bidding for city contracts?
Contact the City Clerk's office for available city bid projects at 916.625.5560.

I want to sell goods or services at an event in the city.
You will need a City of Rocklin business license.  See the Business License section for more information.

I want to hold an outdoor/open-air event... do I need a permit?
Yes.  All outdoor events or tent sales require the approval of a Special Event Use Permit.  The review process takes 4 to 5 weeks before approval.  To obtain a permit, contact the City of Rocklin Planning Division at 916.625.5160.

Do I need a permit to film in the city?
Yes. The Planning Division coordinates issuance of Film Permits using City of Rocklin property in the City of Rocklin.  Filming includes staging, shooting, filming, videotaping, photographing for commercial and non-theatrical productions.  Filming for the purposes of reporting on events or persons that are in the news for print publications, television, cable and other news media is excluded.

The City’s Municipal Code Chapter 12.32 governs Filming Activities in the City of Rocklin.  
 
There is a film permit fee plus fees charged for actual costs incurred by the city for providing employees; equipment rental; facilities rental; utilities; and similar costs.

You can also contact the Placer-Lake Tahoe Film Office at 530.889.4091 for additional information.


Forms Center

How do I transfer my business license to a new owner?
The new owner will need to obtain a new City of Rocklin business license.  See the Business License section for more information.

Once the sale of your business is complete, please notify the Finance Division that you are no longer doing business.  Contact them at 916.625.5000.

Do I need a fire inspection for my business?
Yes.  Please contact the Fire Marshall via the Fire Department at 916.625.5300.

Fire Department

I want to locate my business or new development project in the City of Rocklin. Who should I call?

For a business interested in locating to the City, contact the Economic Development Office in the City Manager’s Office at 916.625.5560 and ask for Rob Braulik, Assistant City Manager.  

For development projects, call the
Planning Division in the Community Development Department at 916.625.5160.



Guide for Businesses

Where do I apply for a business license? 

The Finance Division issues business licenses. Contact them at 916.625.5020.

Also see:


Where can I get information on community demographics, costs, real estate and related data? 

The City of Rocklin's publications include: 

You can also contact the Economic Development Office in the City Manager’s Office at 916.625.5560 and ask for Rob Braulik, Assistant City Manager, for more information.



Guide for Businesses

Where can I get the forms necessary to open and operate my business in the City of Rocklin?

Go to the Forms Center and click on business and development related forms.


Does Rocklin have a Redevelopment Agency and a Redevelopment Plan Area?

Yes, the Rocklin Redevelopment Agency is comprised of the Rocklin City Council members.  The Agency overseas the Redevelopment Plan Area.

For more information, contact the Redevelopment Agency Office in the City Manager’s Office at 916.625.5560 and ask for Rob Braulik, Assistant City Manager, for more information.



Redevelopment

What is the projected build-out population of Rocklin?

Based on the current and future updated general plan it is estimated Rocklin’s build-out population will be 65,000 to 70,000 by the year 2025. 

Does Rocklin plan to annex additional land across State Highway 65?

No.  The current city boundaries are the planned permanent boundaries of the city.


Where can I obtain fast facts about the City of Rocklin?

Reference the demographics section and Rocklin at a Glance.


Where can I get information on the Rocklin Downtown Plan?
You can get information on the Rocklin Downtown Plan on the web or contact the Economic Development Office in the City Manager’s Office at 916.625.5560 and ask for Rob Braulik, Assistant City Manager. 

Or, you can telephone the Planning Division in the Community Development Department at 916.625.5160.

How can I sign up to receive the quarterly Rocklin e-Biz newsletter?
Visit the e-Biz Newsletter section to opt-in to receive the newsletter.

Is there a comprehensive report for city development activity?
Yes. The Planning Division publishes semi-annually the Development Activity Report

Download the report online or get a hard-copy by calling Community Development at 916.625.5160.  There is a small charge for this report. 

What other organizations assist businesses?
There are several governmental, non-profit and regional economic development-related sites which provide services to assist businesses.

The Business Resources section lists a number of organizations providing services to the business and development community.

Who provides water and wastewater services in Rocklin?

Water service is provided by the Placer County Water Agency at 530.823.4850.  Wastewater (sewer) service is provided by the South Placer Municipal Utility District at 916.652.5877.  See the utilities section for more information on these agencies and others for trash disposal, cable, power, and telephone services.

Who do I call for a Gas or Electric Outage and Emergency Reporting?

Call Pacific Gas & Electric at 800.743.5002 for 24-hour outage notification.  See the utilities section for more information on this agency and others for water, waste water, cable, power, and telephone services.

Click to View

Where can I obtain import/export assistance?
The Federal Technology Center provides technical assistance resources to companies seeking this type of assistance.  You can contact them at 916.334.9388.

Where can I find information on Green Building Resources?
Visit the Build Green Institute section of the City's website or contact the Building Division at 916.625.5120.

City of Rocklin© City of Rocklin, 3970 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA, 95677 | Placer County
Phone 916.625.5000 | Fax 916.625.5095 | TTY 916.632.4013

Civica Software
Website Comments & Questions | Privacy Policy | Low-Graphics Version