Q. Do I have to get a Business License?
A. Any person or group transacting or carrying on any business, trade, profession, calling, or occupation in the City is required to have a business license. This includes businesses in a commercial or industrial location, home-based businesses, out-of-town businesses who come into the City to do business, independent contractors, apartment owners who rent out 3 or more units at the same address, mobile vendors, seasonal businesses, businesses putting on or participating in a weekend or one-day event.

Q. How do I get a Business License?
A. You can pick up an application at City Hall, download one from the City website, or call (714) 536-5267 to have one faxed to you. If you will be in a commercial location, you will also need to complete a Certificate of Occupancy application for the Building & Safety Department. This can also be picked up at City Hall or downloaded from the website.

Q. What is the difference between a Business License and a Seller's Permit?
A. A business license is required to do business in the City of Huntington Beach. A Seller's Permit is required by the State Board of Equalization if you are selling merchandise and is for the collection of sales and use tax.

Q. How much does a Business License cost?
A. The business license cost is based on a flat tax plus additional amounts if there are more than 3 employees, more than 1 business vehicle, or coin operated machines. A typical business license starts at $75 plus a non-refundable processing fee. Additional amounts added are as follows:

Additional employees:
4 - 9 employees: $4 each
10 to 52 employees: $3 each
More than 52 employees: $2 each

Additional vehicles:
Under 1 ton: $12 each
1 to 3 ton: $35 each
Over 3 tons: $46 each

Home-based businesses are required to pay an additional one-time fee for a Home Occupation Permit, in addition to their license and processing fees. Other businesses are calculated in different ways, including: out of town contractors, apartment rental, out of town transportation, vending machines, pool halls, and carnivals. Call the business license office at (714) 536-5267 for more information on these and other licenses.

Q. What are the fees for?
A. The business license is a tax and the funds generated help pay for the public safety needs of the people of Huntington Beach.

Q. Why do I have to have a Business License?
A. It is required by the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (Section 5.08.010). Conducting business in the City without a license can result in penalties. In addition, it is a misdemeanor to violate the City Business License ordinances.

Q. What does a Business License allow me to do?
A. A business license is not a regulatory license. It is a receipt for the license tax paid and has no other legal effect. It is a requirement, not a permit.

Q. How often do I need to renew my license?
A. Business licenses are renewed every 12 months. A courtesy notice is mailed 3 weeks before the due date. However, you are responsible for renewing your license whether or not the renewal notice is received, so it is a good idea to mark the due date in your calendar. If the payment is more than 30 days past the due date, a 10% per month penalty is charged. Notices of Violation and Administrative Citations may also be issued.

Q. If I have a second location, do I need a second Business License?
A. You are required to have a business license for each branch or location in the City, unless the second location is a warehouse or distribution plant used in connection with and incidental to the business.

Q. I am not doing business anymore. Why am I still getting renewal notices?
A. You need to let us know if you are no longer in business in Huntington Beach. Send us a letter to ask for your license to be closed, or check the renewal notice where it says "No longer doing business in HB" and mail it back in. If you do not let us know, penalties will continue to accrue, and Notices of Violation and Administrative Citations may also be issued. No refunds are given when a business ceases to operate.

Q. Can I transfer my license to someone else?
A. Business licenses are not transferable from one owner to another. The new owner must apply for a business license in their name.

Q. Can I use this license anywhere?
A. This license is only valid within the City of Huntington Beach and may only be used for the business activity and location specified on the application. If the license is specifically for a location such as the Golden West Swap Meet, it may not be used for other locations in the City.


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