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
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.
The City is offering a temporary program that helps unlicensed individuals and businesses become compliant. The deadline to apply has been extended through July 31st. For more information, click the link above.
On September 17, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill (SB) 946, which authorizes and regulates sidewalk vending. For more information, click the link above.
The City allows for Medicinal Cannabis Retail (with limited on-site cultivation) and Light Manufacturing operations (i.e. assembly type operations requiring no volatile solvents). All other forms of medicinal cannabis commercial activities are currently not allowed, such as manufacturing, testing, distribution, and stand alone commercial cultivation. For more information, click the link above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The links below provide detailed information and direct access to specific Business License processes.
