Oakland Lawn Care License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Business license (DPR) — if you apply pesticides
   Required when your gardening includes incidental pest control; needs a qualified person with the right DPR certificate. $180 a calendar year.
   ⏰ Expires Dec 31: business names A–L in even years, M–Z in odd years
   Source: California DPR: Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Business license
2. CSLB C-27 Landscaping license — for jobs of $1,000+
   Landscape construction totaling $1,000 or more (labor + materials) needs a CSLB license.
   ⏰ Active licenses expire every two years (verify your date on CSLB)
   Source: California CSLB: Who needs a contractor license · California CSLB: License classifications · California CSLB: General renewal information
3. Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board filings
   LLCs and corporations file a Statement of Information ($20 or $25) and most businesses pay at least $800 a year in Franchise Tax. A business name other than your own is filed with your county.
   ⏰ Statement of Information: frequency depends on entity type (verify). Franchise tax: yearly
   Source: California Secretary of State: Business entities FAQs

Local (Oakland / Alameda County)

1. City of Oakland Business Tax Certificate
   Required for everyone doing business in Oakland, including self-employed, independent contractors and home businesses; Oakland-based businesses need a Zoning Clearance first. Registration fee due within 30 days of starting (late 10%, then 35%, plus 1%/month interest).
   ⏰ Due on or before March 1 every year; late: 10% then 35%, 1%/month interest, $50 late filing fee
   Source: City of Oakland: Business Taxes, Licenses & Permits