How to Apply for a Home-Based Business License

A Home Occupation (also known as a home-based business) is a business or profession or the offering of a service within a residential dwelling. If you plan to operate your business out of your residence, a business license application along with a home occupation check list will be required. With certain guidelines, home enterprises that are incidental and secondary to the residential use are permitted. The home occupation process helps to ensure that the nature of the business does not adversely affect the residential character of the neighborhood. 

A business license is required for all home occupations.  All business licenses are valid through June 30th and must be renewed on July 1st of each year. 

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Online

  1. Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

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    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.31.160 on Home Occupation regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Professions and Trades.

  2. Determine Your Business Name

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    If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

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    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click HERE.

  4. Complete and Submit Your Business License Application and Home-Occupation Checklist

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    Gather your documents, and complete the online submission using the system HERE. Be sure to include the Home-Occupation Checklist and upload it with your online application submission.

  5. Submit Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.

Email

  1. Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

    + -

    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.31.160 on Home Occupation regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Professions and Trades.

  2. Determine Your Business Name

    + -

    If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

    + -

    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click HERE.

  4. Gather your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home Occupation Checklist

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    Complete the Business License Application.

  5. Submit your Complete Application

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    Email the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:

    Business.License@santamonica.gov

  6. Submit Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.

Mail

  1. Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

    + -

    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.31.160 on Home Occupation regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Professions and Trades.

  2. Determine Your Business Name

    + -

    If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

    + -

    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click HERE.

  4. Gather your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home Occupation Checklist

    + -

    Complete the Business License Application.

  5. Submit your Complete Application

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    Mail the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:

    City of Santa Monica

    Business License Unit

    P.O. Box 2200

    Santa Monica, CA 90407-2200

  6. Submit Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.

In-Person

  1. Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

    + -

    Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.31.160 on Home Occupation regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Professions and Trades.

  2. Determine Your Business Name

    + -

    If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.

  3. Obtain a California Seller’s Permit (For Retail/Wholesale Sales Only)

    + -

    For information on how to obtain a California Seller’s Permit from the California Tax & Fee Administration click HERE.

  4. Gather your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home Occupation Checklist

    + -

    Complete the Business License Application.

  5. Submit your Complete Application

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    Applications can be accepted in person by appointment. Click HERE to make an appointment. Bring your completed application and supplemental documentation to the Business License office located at:

    City of Santa Monica

    City Hall East

    1685 Main Street

    Santa Monica, CA 90401

  6. Submit Payment

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    Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.

    When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.

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