County of Lake — economic development guidance
Find the right local authority and check whether a license or another permit is needed.[1]
Source checked October 16, 2026[1]clearlylakecountyca.com
Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
These links were found on official source pages. Each service is handled by the office.
The county guidance distinguishes unincorporated Lake County from Clearlake and Lakeport. Other departments may still require activity or development approvals.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access
- Check activity and development approvals with the listed departments even where no general county business license is required. [3]
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
Check the official website for its current fee schedule. No fee should be assumed to be free.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
Sources & last checked1 source page · 6 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] Lake County business startup (opens in a new tab)
Lake County official website · Reviewed business licensing instructions
Source reviewed October 16, 2026View supporting excerpt
Starting a business in the unincorporated areas of Lake County does not require a business license. Businesses located in Clearlake and Lakeport require a business license from the municipality.
- [2] Lake County business startup (opens in a new tab)
Lake County official website · Reviewed business licensing instructions
Source reviewed October 16, 2026View supporting excerpt
Starting a business in the unincorporated areas of Lake County does not require a business license. Businesses located in Clearlake and Lakeport require a business license from the municipality.
- [3] Lake County business startup (opens in a new tab)
Lake County official website · Reviewed business licensing instructions
Source reviewed October 16, 2026View supporting excerpt
Several County Departments could require approval for business activities and development. These include Community Development, Environment Health, Public Works, and Special Districts. Please contact the County for further details and guidance.
- [4] Lake County business startup (opens in a new tab)
Lake County official website · Reviewed business licensing instructions
Source reviewed October 16, 2026View supporting excerpt
707-263-2580 econdev@lakecountyca.gov 255 N Forbes Street Lakeport, CA 95453
- [5] Lake County business startup (opens in a new tab)
Lake County official website · Reviewed business licensing instructions
Source reviewed October 16, 2026View supporting excerpt
707-263-2580 econdev@lakecountyca.gov 255 N Forbes Street Lakeport, CA 95453
- [6] Lake County business startup (opens in a new tab)
Lake County official website · Reviewed business licensing instructions
Source reviewed October 16, 2026View supporting excerpt
707-263-2580 econdev@lakecountyca.gov 255 N Forbes Street Lakeport, CA 95453