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. The Business License program benefits the well-being of the overall community by funding essential services, such as:
Sidewalks ◊ Streets ◊ Parks ◊ Beach Maintenance ◊ Economic Development ◊ Police ◊ Fire
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. 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.
Business License Quick Links
Many of our services can quickly be completed online. Simply click on the appropriate Online Services links below.
Latest News
Stay up-to-date with the City of Santa Monica Business License Unit.
- CITY HALL EAST PERMIT SERVICES CENTER REOPENING
Effective May 3, 2021. The Permit Services Center is open by appointment only with limited hours and services. Please click the link HERE to schedule an appointment. We are located at 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Enter the building at the south entrance accessible from Olympic Dr. Check-in measures are in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. Please be sure to comply with these measures when visiting the Permit Services Center by wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing from others.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the City's Coronavirus Information page.
- PERFORMER PERMIT SUSPENSION LIFTED AS OF MAY 1, 2021
Performers can perform on the Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Transit Mall. Performance permits issued for the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 shall remain valid for the period May 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
- RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
The City of Santa Monica is working diligently to facilitate the reopening of our business community. The City is committed to supporting an equitable and inclusive economic recovery. For information regarding resources for businesses impacted by COVID, visit www.SantaMonica.gov/EconomicRecovery.
- SANTA MONICA CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY ORDINANCE UPDATE
The Santa Monica City Council adopted an emergency ordinance on August 24, 2021 that prohibits the use of unpermitted combustible fuels on and around the Santa Monica Pier, dumping of commercial trash in public receptacles, and disposing of liquid waste in public spaces and storm drains. Learn more from this press release.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The links below provide detailed information and direct access to specific Business License processes.
