Apply For A Business License Santa Maria, California
Do you plan to open a business in Santa Maria, California?
If you are planning to operate any business in Santa Maria, you will need to obtain a business license. To apply for a business license, you can either print one from the City of Santa Maria website or you can request one in person at 110 East Cook Street. You can also have an application mailed or faxed to you by calling (805) 925-0951 extension 2422. In addition to a business license application, you will need to fill out a storm water form, also found online or at the Finance Division.
What information is required to complete a Santa Maria business license application?
The application for a Santa Maria business license gathers information about your business by asking specific questions about you as the owner and about your business. Some of these questions might ask for some of the following information:
- A description of your business
- Business name, mailing and physical address, and all contact information
- If applicable, you may need to supply a California resale number, state contractor information including number, class and expiration date, a federal employer’s ID number, etc.
- Owner(s) information including all contact information, telephone numbers, and social security number
- Ownership type, whether a sole owner, part of a corporation, a partnership, or an agent for process
- An emergency contact name and telephone number to be kept on file for the police and fire department
- A signature verifying that all information that is provided is true and complete
The storm water form needs to be completed at the same time as your application. It is a short document that outlines the procedures for washing your business facilities. This form needs to be filled in with the name and contact information of your Santa Maria business. It should be read and signed certifying that you agree to comply with these rules and regulations. If you are not in compliance, you could be fined up to $6,000 per day.
What next?
When you have completed your business license application and the storm water form, they should be brought to the Community Development Department, located at 110 South Pine Street, suite 101 in Santa Maria. They will review your business license application to determine if your business is zone-verified. This means that your business property falls into a zone where business activities are permitted. It would be wise to check with the Planning Division by calling (805) 925-0951 extention 2244 prior to purchasing or leasing any business property to be certain that it is in the correct zone.
Once your business property has zoning verification, you may need to schedule a building inspection to be certain that your business is safe for yourself and customers who will enter your business. At the time that you submit your application, the fees for zoning and building inspections will be due. If your business plans include activities such as (but not limited to) massage therapy, transportation services, palm reading, entertainment, food service, alcohol sales, etc, you may need to have approval from various local and state agencies. Some of these approvals could include background checks and could take up to 45 days to process. You will want to contact the Finance Department early on to discuss your business plans to determine which, if any, of these approvals or permits are necessary for your business to commence.
You will need to have these permits in place prior to opening your doors for business. If your business activities include entertainment or traveling shows (such as swap meets or concerts) you will need to review the Good Neighbor Ordinance online at the City of Santa Maria website. This ordinance outlines the requirements that are set in place to maintain a safe and controlled event. You are responsible for being in compliance with these regulations, some of which include restrictions on attendance, trash removal, parking control, noise control, etc.
What fees will you pay for a Santa Maria business license?
To find out what taxes and fees you will be responsible for paying, you will need to contact the Finance Division at (805) 925-0951 extension 2422. They will be able to calculate your fees and costs associated with obtaining a business license.
Do you need more information on obtaining your Santa Maria business license?
The City of Santa Maria website has information that will be very useful to those wishing to apply for their business license. If you wish to contact someone in person, you can either call the Finance Division at (805) 925-0951 extension 2422 or visit the office at 110 East Cook Street, room 6, in Santa Maria.
Click the link to your city below to apply for a business license
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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.