Business Tax & License

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We welcome your business to the

City of Santa Clara!

NEW - Fire permits are now to be paid separately from your business license tax. Visit the fire permit renewal portal to learn more or pay your fee.
For information and FAQs about the Business License Tax Program Update, effective July 1, 2023, visit the Business License Tax 2023 Update webpage.
The City of Santa Clara will reinstate penalty fees as of April 1, 2023.

All businesses are required to have a valid business license from the City of Santa Clara in order to transact business or occupy space in the City. Businesses located outside of the City but conducting business activity within city limits are also required to have a Santa Clara business license.

To apply for a business license, you may apply online here or complete the Business License Application (New Business Tax Affidavit form). You can mail or bring it to the address noted on the application.
Effective January 1, 2020, business applicants/renewals are required to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 205 Stormwater Discharge Compliance. For more information visit Stormwater Pollution Prevention.
Effective January 1st, 2019, business applicants/renewals are required to comply with AB 3002. The new law, creating GC 4469.5, expands the information to be provided to the applicants. More information can be obtained by visiting the California Division of the State Architect website and reviewing AB 3002.
Effective February 5th, 2019, the City of Santa Clara adopted a Smoking and Tobacco Regulation Ordinance. Landlords, Operators and Property Managers are under obligation to comply with the new requirements. Additional information can be found on the Smokefree Santa Clara page.
For rentals of three (3) or more units, a Rental Unit License Application (Affidavit) is required.
For hotels and other lodging establishments, more information can be found on our Transient Occupancy/Community Facilities District Tax page.

Please see the City Code for additional information on Business Tax and Business License and Regulations.

Conducting Business & Approval

Conducting Business

A Business License merely represents receipt of payment of the applicable business license tax. The issuance of a business license certificate does not constitute approval, direct or indirect, by the City that the certificate holder may operate such business in violation of any of the provisions of the City Code, ordinances or resolutions of any law of the state or federal government.
The Zoning Ordinance in the City Code includes regulations concerning where and under what conditions a business may operate in the City. In some cases, a use permit may be required. To determine if the business activity you are planning can be carried on at the location you have selected, you should check the locations zoning district and regulations. To find out zoning information for a property you may do one of the following:
- Search by property address of Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) using our interactive map.
- Find a zoning districts regulations in the City Code.
- Contact the Planning Division at 408-615-2450 or Planning@santaclaraca.gov

Business License Approval

A business license will be mailed to the applicant once all fees have been paid and the business license application has been approved by all appropriate City departments.
Approval of a business license application may take up to eight weeks.
Businesses will be able to legally conduct business once the license has been approved.
Any business to whom a certificate has been issued will continue to be required, to comply with all the laws of the City including, but not limited to its zoning regulations, building regulations, fire regulations, plumbing regulations, electrical regulations, mechanical code and subdivision regulations.
For information on the City's Minimum Wage increase that is effective January 1, 2024, visit the Minimum Wage Ordinance Page.
To apply for a new business license or renew an existing license by mail please send form to:

City of Santa Clara
Business Tax Unit
1500 Warburton Ave
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Business Tax Online Services

Fire Permits

Disability Access Requirements

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. To learn more about disability access requirements, please review the AB 3002 notification.

Business Listings

For more information, see our FAQS

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration

• Our website, www.cdtfa.ca.gov, has specific information about the programs we administer, how to register for permits and licenses, and how to file and report correctly.

• The CalGold website, www.calgold.ca.gov, is a comprehensive website that assists business owners in finding the appropriate permit information for their business. It also provides contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue permits, including those for cities, counties, and various other departments, including ours.

Questions?

Please contact us at:

Municipal Services, Business Tax & License
1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA
Phone: 408-615-2310
Fax: 408-241-1543
Email: BusinessLicense@santaclaraca.gov

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