Business License

Any person who conducts business in the City or has a business based in the City must obtain a business license on or before the date the business commences. This includes home-based and online businesses, residential and commercial real estate rentals. If you have any questions, please contact staff at 510-215-3030.

Renewing a Business License

It is your responsibility to renew the business license on time. If you do not receive a City courtesy notice two weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact City staff immediately. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts, regardless of whether or not you receive a courtesy renewal notice. 

Please submit the renewal form and payment to staff by the expiration date.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
    • Submit by email to businesslicense@sanpabloca.gov 
    • Submit by mail to 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
    • Public counter is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
    • Submit by drop-off in the grey City of San Pablo drop box located outside the new City Hall at 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806

Applying for a New Business License 

The City of San Pablo welcomes your business to our community and appreciates the opportunity to serve you. We wish you success!   HOW TO APPLY 
 1. Verify that the use you intend for your business is allowed in the Zoning District where your business is located. If you have questions, please call City staff at (510) 215-3030. 

2. Complete a Business License Application
  • If you plan to conduct your business out of your home, please complete this Home Occupation Permit. No inspections are required for home businesses.
  • If you plan to start a commercial businesses, an inspection of the site is required by the Contra Costa Fire Protection District and City of San Pablo. Complete this application to request a Contra Costa Fire Protection District inspection.
 3. Review this Business Start-Up Checklist for information about additional licenses and permits (i.e. Seller's Permit, Alcohol License, Health Permit, etc.) that may be required for your business. You must secure any additional licenses or permits that are required for your business before applying for a business license with the City of San Pablo.
 4. Submit the City of San Pablo business licenses application and payment along with proof that any additional licenses or permits required for your business have been approved.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
    • Submit by email to businesslicense@sanpabloca.gov 
    • Submit by mail to 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
    • Submit by drop-off in the grey City of San Pablo drop box located outside the new City Hall at 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
4. If your application is for a commercial business, staff will contact you to schedule a City inspection. Prepare for the inspection by reviewing the Business License Inspection Checklist.
 
 5. City staff will issue you a business license. Business licenses are valid for one year. If you decide to change the location of your business, the new information must be supplied to the City of San Pablo. Business licenses are not automatically canceled. Please let us know if your business is closed by sending a written notification or give us a call. 
 
Issued Business Licenses