Avenu Insights & Analytics:

Please be advised that the City of Santa Cruz has authorized the firm of Avenu Insights & Analytics to conduct a review of compliance with the City’s Business License Fee Ordinance.  Avenu Insights & Analytics only provides these services to local governments so no conflict of interest will exist in their work with the City.

Information obtained as part of the review shall be used only by the City for the purpose of the administration of its Business License Ordinance, except as mandated by law.  Avenu Insights & Analytics has extensive experience in similar compliance review work for over 250 cities located throughout the State of California.  Please extend your cooperation to their staff.

New Businesses: Apply Online

Visit MyCityofSantaCruz, our new online portal, to complete your new business license application and zoning clearance. 

First-Time User? Register your account at https://www.mycityofsantacruz.com

Renewals:

1. Renew Online at MyCityofSantaCruz.com 
2. Add Your Account under Account Management and Pay Online

Change in Use or Change Business Information

If you're changing the use of your business in the same location, apply for a Change of Use Zoning Clearance with the City Planning. To update your business information, use the Business License Information Change Form or submit your business changes online. 

Additional Resources:

Doing business in the city limits of Santa Cruz requires a City of Santa Cruz Business License Tax Certificate. Application must be submitted on or before the day you start business. The business license tax is not refundable nor transferable. Payment of the Business License Tax Certificate does not relieve the applicant of any regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to City Ordinances. Check this list of city streets to see if your business is located within city limits. 

• Check Status or Search Business License Database - Our Search Feature is Currently Unavailable. For Status, Please call (831)420-5070 or email revenue@santacruzca.gov 

• Business License Application - This PDF must be signed, and payment must be received in order to process.
  • Zoning Clearances: To complete the zoning clearance process email cityplan@santacruzca.gov your business license application. If you have questions regarding zoning clearances, please call (831) 420-5100.
• SB 205 Stormwater Compliance Form - If applicable to your business, this PDF must be printed, signed, and mailed in with your Business License Tax application.
• Business License Discontinuance Form - Submit this form if you are no longer doing business in the City of Santa Cruz.
• Business License Information Change Form - Submit this form for changes to information in your City of Santa Cruz Business License Tax account.
• Business License Tax Fee Schedule

Non-Profit Status
Charitable and non-profit organizations are exempt from the business license tax. Please attach, to the completed application, a copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service or the California State Franchise Tax Board as evidence of your current tax exempt status.

For more information on obtaining a Non-Profit or Tax-Exempt status, contact either:

State of California - Office of the Attorney General
Website: https://oag.ca.gov/office

IRS Tax-Exempt Status Information
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits

Occupancy Permit-Planning Requirements
If you are starting a business in the City of Santa Cruz or conducting business here, check with the City Planning Department for any required permits or approvals.

In order to update a delinquent business license, please email revenue@santacruzca.gov. Make sure to include the name and/or business license number of the business. 

City Admission Tax and Entertainment Permits
If your business will have live music, dancing, or other forms of entertainment and an admission is charged, you may be subject to the admission tax. Live music, dancing, etc. requires an Entertainment Permit. Contact the Finance Department at (831) 420-5070 for information. More information about the Admission Tax.

For more information contact the City Police Department at (831) 420-5840.

City Transient Occupancy Tax 
If your business is a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or other lodging where living accommodations are provided for periods of less than thirty days, you may be subject to the Transient Occupancy Tax. Contact the Finance Department at (831) 420-5070 for information. More information about the Transient Occupancy Tax.

Other Permits and Fees:

• Business Improvement Assessment FAQ's
• Parking Deficiency Fees FAQ's
• Starting a Business in Santa Cruz County lists other common requirements with agency names and addresses.
• Oversize Load Permits

Starting A Small Business? 

If you're unsure of the permits and licenses that you'll need for your business, the Economic Development Department can provide additional help. They have also set up Business Roadmap, an online small business resource portal which provides an overview of all the steps involved in starting a business and will inform you of specific requirements and fees you may be responsible for as a small business owner.

Disclaimer: 

The information presented here has been prepared and provided to you for information purposes only. It does not supplant the laws, regulations, and procedures governing licenses, permits, and taxes of the City of Santa Cruz. In the event of changes in those laws, regulations, or procedures, the laws, regulations, and procedures are binding and take precedence. For the specific wording of the law, you are strongly urged to get a current copy of the municipal code section that you are interested in.

Revenue Division email - revenue@santacruzca.gov