Business License Overview
Welcome to the City of Santa Monica. We are pleased that you are considering participation in the Santa Monica business community and wish you much success. This program benefits the well-being of the overall community by funding essential services, such as:
Sidewalks ◊ Streets ◊ Parks ◊ Beach Maintenance ◊ Economic Development ◊ Police ◊ Fire
The Business License Unit is responsible for the administration of this program, which includes ensuring that businesses operating in the City are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. The Santa Monica Municipal Code provides for the City to levy and collect business license taxes, business improvement district assessments, and fees for other regulatory permits. This website provides information on the Business License Program, processes and business owners’ responsibilities.
Business License Quick Links
ONLINE SERVICES
Many of our services can quickly be completed online. Simply click on the "Online Services" link
Latest News
Stay up-to-date with the City of Santa Monica Business License Unit.
On September 17, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill (SB) 946, which authorizes and regulates sidewalk vending practices. For more information, click the link above.
To apply for a sidewalk vendor business license, click HERE. Complete the application and email it to business@license.smgov.net for processing.
The Request for Application (RFA) process to be considered for participation in the Shared Mobility Pilot Program opened July 10, 2018. For more information, please click the link above. For questions, please contact the Mobility Division in the Department of Planning and Community Development at (310)458-8341 or by email at kyle.kozar@smgov.net.
The online submission option is not available for home-sharing. Please click the Home-Sharing link above to view the rules and regulations and to download the appropriate application.
Licensees are required to notify the Business License unit of any changes to their business that affects their license, including updated contact information. To update your account, click the link above.
Please note that the PO Box address for Business License renewals has changed. Click the link above for the current Business License mailing address.
The City currently allows for Medicinal Cannabis Retail (with limited on-site cultivation) and Light Manufacturing operations (i.e. assembly type operations requiring no volatile solvents). Other forms of medicinal cannabis commercial activities are currently not allowed, such as manufacturing, testing, distribution, and stand alone commercial cultivation. For more information, see the Commercial Cannabis Business Licensing page.
On October 11, 2017, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1379 into law, which increased the State CASp fee from $1 to $4 starting January 1, 2018. For more information, please visit the Business License Frequently Asked Questions page.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The links below provide detailed information and direct access to specific Business License processes.
