Sacramento, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

030 makes it unlawful for anyone with a principal place of business in the city to operate a tow car without a tow car vehicular permit for each vehicle. 020 applies only to tow businesses or drivers whose principal place of business or employment is outside the city, and any exemption claim requires a sworn declaration reviewable by the director with an appeal path to the city manager and, ultimately, the city council. 090, a smog/lamp/brake compliance certificate dated within six months, every vehicle storage site, a written rate schedule, and criminal history disclosures for major stakeholders, accompanied by a nonrefundable annual permit fee set by council resolution.

050 requires the director to physically inspect the tow car for compliance with the posting and radio-dispatch sections and to inspect all storage locations for zoning compliance; permits expire every September 30th, with renewal windows from August 1 to August 31. 060 requires the vehicle to carry a copy of the permit and current rate schedule for inspection on request, plus exterior signage with the company name, address, and phone number in letters at least two and one-half inches tall. 070 mandates an FCC-approved two-way radio dispatch system in every tow car. 180.