The following information is generalized and is intended to give you some basic information. There may, however, be more specific information for your particular type of business. Please feel free to contact our Community Development Department/Zoning Division for additional information by calling (928) 722-5080 or (928) 722-5093. 

License Application 

All businesses located or doing business within the City of Somerton must be licensed before beginning operation. If a business has more than one location in the City, each location must have a separate business license.

APPLY/RENEW HERE - Online Business License Application 

License Fees 

The business license fee is $80 per calendar year for a 12-month period. First time applicants for new businesses will be charged a pro-rated fee based on a quarterly calendar as follows:  

  • 1st quarter (Jan-Mar) - $80 
  • 2nd quarter (Apr-Jun) - $60 
  • 3rd quarter (Jul-Sep) - $40 
  • 4th quarter (Oct-Dec) - $20  

All license fees are non-refundable. 

Required Inspections 

In-city businesses require building and fire inspections, $25 each, per year.   

Please note that having a Somerton postal mailing address does not indicate that you live within the City's incorporated boundaries. The incorporated boundaries for the City of Somerton are separate and distinct from the US Postal Zip Codes that are designated as "Somerton."  See City map.

 Is my business inside Somerton City-Limits?  

If yes, complete Zoning Verification Form and attach it to Business License Application.

Zoning Verification review has a non-refundable fee of $50.

Businesses located outside of the City limits do not require going through inspections, approvals, and Zoning Verification Form. 

License Expiration Dates 

All business licenses expire on December 31st, with exception to childcare businesses which expire a year from the date of issuance.

Review Process 

The total review process may take up to 15 business days for in-city businesses and 5 business days for out-of-city businesses. 

Business License Renewal 

  • Renewals must be completed annually before December 31st.
  • Childcare business renewals occur on the month of issuance.
  • Notices are mailed or emailed to the business one-month prior to expiration and must be renewed before the expiration date to avoid a late penalty.
  • Business owners are responsible for renewing their license. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business of their responsibility to renew their license.
  • If you did not receive a renewal notice, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (928) 722-7330 or via email at clerk@somertonaz.gov.
  • Zoning Verification Form

Change of Owner, Address, or Business Name 

A Somerton Business License cannot be transferred to another person or business without the permission of the City. 

Changes related to the business activity, address, use, or ownership, must be reported to the City Clerk's Office within 30-days. 

To notify or submit a change to the business, please send an email to clerk@somertonaz.gov 

To cancel your business license, please email clerk@somertonaz.gov 

Payment Options

  • PAY ONLINE
  • MAIL: City of Somerton, PO BOX 638, Somerton, AZ, 85350
  • IN PERSON: Somerton City Hall, Finance Department, 1st Floor, 143 N State Ave., Somerton, AZ, 85350 

Do You Have a Home Business? 

It should be noted that many people are unaware that even small, home-based businesses located inside the City, or those that come into the City to conduct business, are required to be licensed before conducting any business.  

Temporary (or itinerant) businesses, adult-oriented, special events, carnivals, door-to-door sales, and non-profit organizations have regulations that pertain to them, specifically. The Community Development Department has information regarding those types of activities. “Please reach out to the Community Development Department/Zoning Division for additional information by calling (928) 722-5080 or (928) 722-5093.

Still Have Questions?

Questions regarding the best way to operate your business should be directed to a certified public accountant, tax specialist, or an attorney who specializes in business and tax matters. Our office is not qualified to give you specific information on how to run your business. However, there are several resources available to you in the community. 

Below is the contact information for some agencies that you may find helpful: 

Liquor Licenses 

The regular Liquor License application process begins with the Arizona Department of Liquor License & Control (DLLC).       

https://azliquor.gov/forms.cfm  

Applications are sent to the local governing body for additional review and consideration by the City Council. 

Application Process:  

After your application has been accepted by the DLLC they will send a copy of your application to the City of Somerton. The City Council has 60 days to make a recommendation of approval, disapproval, or no recommendation. 

The City Clerk’s Office will send the applicant a letter requesting a non-refundable City application processing fee which currently is $250 (amount adjusted every July per the CPI) and advising the applicant of the scheduled date for Council’s public hearing. The City requests to have the applicant or a representative attend the public hearing should Council have any questions. 

Following receipt of the application processing fee, staff will post a liquor license application notice and a copy of the application at the business site, which is to be left in place for 20 days prior to Council’s public hearing date. Staff will then advise the business when the notice can be removed, following the Council’s public hearing.  

Following the Council’s recommendation decision, the City Clerk will send the recommendation to the DLLC and they will make a final approval or denial regarding the application. Applicants will be contacted directly by the DLLC regarding issuance. 

The City Clerk’s Office can provide additional information on the process, forms, and fees by contacting 928-722-7330.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (928) 344-6990

Yuma County Health Department 928-329-2235 

Hopefully, the information provided will help you in getting your business off to a great start. If our office can be of any help to you in the future, do not hesitate to contact the City of Somerton Economic Development Department, Community Development Department, and the Clerk Department.