I had an active business license two years ago, but didn’t renew last year because I did not do business in the City of Sonoma, but now need a license for this year. Do I still have to pay for a last year’s license?

If the City does not have evidence of notification from you and records indicate your license was not inactivated,  then you must pay for last year’s business license, including penalties before you can obtain a license for the new year.