Linda Leaver, Finance Director
Finance FAQ
A: You can send invoices
- By email to Kristie: kbates@crescentcity.org
- By mail to
City of Crescent City
Accounts Payable
377 J Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
- By fax to 707-465-4405
A: Your invoice should include your business name, remittance address, itemized detail of the charges (including any shipping or sales tax), invoice number, invoice date, and total amount due.
A: You will need to send us a W-9. This form can be obtained from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf.
A: You can send your W-9
- By email to Kristie: kbates@crescentcity.org
- By confidential fax to 707-465-1719
- By mail to
City of Crescent City
Accounts Payable
377 J Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
A: Email Kristie at kbates@crescentcity.org and include a copy of the invoice in question. You can also call 707-464-7483 ext. 235.
A: If your services and business type meet IRS regulations for a 1099 AND you have been paid more than $600 by the City in a calendar year, we will send you a 1099. You should receive it around the end of January for the prior year. For more information on the IRS regulations, see https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-misc.
A: Complete the application and submit it to Chrissy at crawlings@crescentcity.org. Be sure to include 3 business references. We will contact your references and your application will be reviewed by the Finance Director. Depending on how quickly your references respond, this can take several weeks. You will be notified by letter when your application is approved or denied. Be sure you have the correct mailing address on your account application for receiving invoices.
A: Invoices are mailed once per month (usually around the 10th of the month) for services received the prior month. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
A: Please contact Chrissy at crawlings@crescentcity.org or 707-464-7483 ext. 235.
A: The City charges a late fee of $5.50 or 1% of the past due amount (whichever is greater) each month you are past due. If your account is more than 60 days past due, you will not be able to receive lab services until your account is caught up.
A: Please contact Chrissy at crawlings@crescentcity.org or 707-464-7483 ext. 235.
A: Anyone who is doing business within the City limits (even if only for one day). This includes businesses physically located in the City, people who live in Crescent City and operate a business from their home, and businesses located outside the City who come into the City to do business from time to time.
A: You can download applications from our website, pick up at City Hall, or contact Chrissy at 707-464-7483 ext. 237 or crawlings@crescentcity.org
Business located within the City: Business License
Business located outside the City but doing work inside the City: Non-Resident Business License
Farmers Market or Special Event vendor: Farmers Market Business License
A: You may need approval from various City departments, depending on what type of business you have. Some types of businesses may also require additional approvals or permits from the City or other agencies. These are listed on the application. In addition, you may need to contact the Del Norte County Environmental Health department at 707-465-0426 to see if you need any additional permits for certain types of businesses such restaurants, tattoo artists, and permanent make-up. Please contact Chrissy at 707-464-7483 ext. 237 or crawlings@crescentcity.org with any questions.
A: If your business will be inside City limits and will have customers entering your place of business, you will need an inspection before opening.
A: You can call Chrissy at 707-464-7483 ext. 237or email crawlings@crescentcity.org. Please have the business address available.
A: You can check the Municipal Code for zoning regulations or contact the Planning Department at 707-464-7483.
A: That depends on the type of business, number of employees, and other factors. Please see the Business License booklet for the most common fees or the municipal code for additional details.
A: Yes. Certain types of businesses are exempt from paying the license fee (including insurance, financial institutions, franchised public utilities, and filming operations). In addition, non-profits and veteran-owned businesses are exempt. You still need to complete an application and obtain any necessary approvals, but you will not be charged a fee. You may need to provide proof with your application. If you have any questions, please contact Chrissy at 707-464-7483 ext. 237 or crawlings@crescentcity.org.
A: After your application has been processed (including any necessary approvals and permits), we will mail you an invoice. Your first year will be prorated. After your fees are paid, you will receive your business license in the mail.
A: Most business licenses expire on June 30 each year (some special licenses for Farmers Market and special event vendors expire on May 31). You will receive a renewal invoice about a month before your license expires. After you have paid your renewal fees, you will receive your new license in the mail.
A: You need to inform us if you make any changes that affect the cost of your business license, location, business name, ownership, or if the business is sold or closed. Please contact Chrissy at 707-464-7483 ext. 237 or crawlings@crescentcity.org.
A: Please see the Business License booklet, review the municipal code, or contact Chrissy at 707-464-7483 ext. 237 or crawlings@crescentcity.org.
A: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on short-term lodging within City limits. It is sometimes called “hotel tax” or “bed tax.”
A: All businesses offering short-term lodging (less than 30 days) within the City limits need to register and pay City TOT. This includes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, RV Parks, etc.
A: Please complete this application and return it to Chrissy at crawlings@crescentcity.org or mail it to
City of Crescent City
Attn: Finance Dept
377 J Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
You also need to have a current business license. The business license application is included with the TOT packet linked above.
A: 10%
A: TOT is due quarterly, one month after the quarter ends.
July – September due October 31
October – December due January 31
January – March due April 30
April – June due July 31
A: The quarterly report is here (link to form). You will need to submit this report with your payment for each quarter. You need to submit the form every quarter, even if you don’t owe any TOT for that quarter.
A: You need to notify the City as soon as your business is sold or closed. You can email Chrissy at crawlings@crescentcity.org or call 707-484-7483. You will need to pay any TOT that is due as of the date of sale or closure.
A: You need to keep sufficient records for the City to audit your TOT reports and payments. This includes guest register (with guest name, dates of stay, room occupied, rent charged, and TOT charged). You will also need to have a daily/monthly summary report and record of any exemptions. You need to keep these records for at least 3 years.
A: Please see the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 3.20 or contact Chrissy at crawlings@crescentcity.org
A: You will need to fill out an application at City Hall. You will need a government-issued photo ID. If you are not the property owner, you will need to bring a copy of your rental agreement. A deposit is required, unless you have recent good payment history with the City or a reference letter from another utility service. If you are not in the area and need to set up service, call us and we can send you the application.
A: The current deposit rates are
Residential water only (no sewer) $100
Residential water and sewer $250
Commercial 2.5x average monthly bill
Cleaning/inspection (14 days only) $50
If you have recent good payment history with the City, or if you provide a reference letter from another current utility bill, your deposit can be waved. If you have previously been shut off for nonpayment, we may charge a higher deposit (double the regular deposit).
A: After you make 12 payments in a row paid in full and on time, you can request your deposit to be returned to you or applied to your account. Otherwise, your deposit is returned to you after you close your account and your final bill is paid.
A: You will be billed once per month. You will receive a postcard by mail, unless you sign up for automatic payment via our online service https://crescentcity.merchanttransact.com/. If you sign up for automatic payment, your bill will be emailed to you each month. If you are missing a bill or have questions about your bill, please call us at 707-464-6517.
A: Your monthly bill is due 21 days after the billing date.
A: You have several options:
- Mail your check or money order to
City of Crescent City
Water Department
377 J Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
- Pay online at https://crescentcity.merchanttransact.com/. You can pay once or sign up for automatic monthly payments.
- Pay by phone at 800-287-6266
- Bring payment in person to City Hall (377 J Street) during office hours
- Drop your check or money order in the secure drop box at City Hall
A: You can dispute a bill that you believe is incorrect. The form is here: Request to Dispute Bill
A: The City has a policy for when and how to shut off residential water service for nonpayment. The policy is located here and is available in multiple languages. If your account is in danger of being shut off for nonpayment, you will be notified by mail and/or a door tag. You can request to make payment arrangements to avoid your service being shut off. If you do not make payment arrangements, or do not follow through on your payment arrangement, your service will be shut off. After service is shut off for nonpayment, it will not be turned back on until your bill is paid. Also, if your service is shut off for nonpayment, we may require a higher deposit.
If you have a sewer-only account, delinquent bills will be added to your property tax bill once per year.
A: Please call the water department at 707-464-6517.