The Atwater Municipal Code identifies a business as professions, trades, and occupations (including home occupations), both for profit and non profit.
The Atwater Municipal Code requires that all new businesses procure a Business License prior to carrying out business transactions. Businesses that move from one location to another are also required to obtain a new license. It is unlawful to operate within the City without a license and offenders may be fined.
In order to obtain a Business License the applicant must file an application, pay the appropriate fees, and meet all other requirements briefly described here and elsewhere in the Atwater Municipal Code.
Annual license fees are also required to continue operating a business within the City.
Building Division Requirements
To better assist business owners or prospective owners seeking a location in the community a description of responsibilities is provided for consideration.
The City of Atwater Building Division typically reviews requests for business licenses and may become involved if there is a change in the building occupancy or use or if the facility has been unused for some time. In some instances a business owner may be contacted to schedule an on site inspection with the Building Department and possibly Fire Department before a Business License will be issued. This may apply to new and relocating businesses as well as a change in ownership of an existing business.
The inspections will determine if the facility and business operation meet applicable Building and Fire Code requirements. A building permit may be required for renovations, improvements, or other actions to meet code compliance as determined by the Fire and Building Departments. Any identified conditions must be met and the permit fees paid before the Business License is approved and the business can open.
 | 
