ABC-207-E and ABC-207-F: how the 500-foot resident notice works
If your California alcohol license application needs resident notice, you mail Form ABC-207-E to every resident within 500 feet and sign ABC-207-F listing who you notified.
Updated 2026-10-03 · Not legal advice — always confirm with the agency.
What the 500-foot notice is
Business & Professions Code §23985.5 requires certain applicants for a California retail alcohol license to mail notice of the application to every resident within 500 feet of the proposed premises — and, where the city or county provides a list free of charge, to property owners within 500 feet too. The notice itself is Form ABC-207-E, which your ABC district office fills in with your application details.
Step by step
- Measure the 500-foot radius in a straight line from the closest exterior wall of your premises.
- Gather the addresses of every resident within the radius — every house and every apartment unit — plus owner names if your city or county provides them free.
- Copy ABC-207-E and mail one to each address (first-class postage). “Resident/Occupant” addressing is normal.
- Complete ABC-207-F, the Declaration of Service by Mail, on the day you mail, attach your list of addresses, and return it to your ABC district office.
When the 30-day protest period starts
Residents and others can protest within 30 days. The clock starts on the later of two dates: the day the public notice is first posted at your premises, or the day you mail the resident notices. Every day you wait to mail is a day added to your timeline.
Common questions
Who has to send the 500-foot notice?
Generally, applicants for a retail license at a premises that isn't currently licensed, or for a different type of retail license. Person-to-person transfers at the same premises with the same license type usually don't. Your district office tells you if it applies.
Do apartments count individually?
Yes. Each residential unit is a resident to notify, so a single apartment building can add dozens of addresses.
What if I miss someone?
ABC can require you to re-notice, which restarts the protest clock. A complete list the first time is the fastest path.
Does MapClerk mail the notices?
No. We produce the address list, radius map and mailing labels; you mail the notices and sign ABC-207-F.