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New Business Licenses

Apply for a new business license from the City of Berkeley if you are starting a new business, the new owner of an existing business, or opening a new location for your business.

Welcome to the City of Berkeley business community! You will need a new Business License if you are:

  • Starting a new business
  • The new owner of an existing business
  • Opening an additional location for your current business

The business license is a revenue tax required by all businesses operating, directly or indirectly, in the City of Berkeley, including but not limited to:

  • Owners of commercial rental property
  • Owners of residential property with three or more dwelling units and/or owners of five or more residential rental units
  • Contractors applying for building permits
  • Home-based businesses
  • Street artists and vendors (see special screening process instructions lower on this page)

Depending on your type of business and physical location, the application process takes a few days to several weeks to complete the review and approval process. To find out the status of your application, call (510) 981-7200.

It is the business’ responsibility to obtain all necessary approvals, permits, licenses, and to pay all taxes and fees associated with the business.  After the business license is established, all Berkeley businesses are responsible for the timely filing of the annual business license renewal and payment.

New businesses can contact the Office of Economic Development for further assistance with getting a business established in Berkeley.

Complete a business license application to apply

To start the business license process, fill out a business license application form.

  • Business license application form with auto-calculations (fill in digitally, then print)
  • Business license application form without auto-calculations (print, then fill out by hand)

Return your application in person or by mail:

  • In person at the Customer Service Center
  • By mail to:
    Finance Department
    Revenue Collection
    1947 Center Street, 1st Floor Berkeley, CA 94704

Include a check made out to the City of Berkeley to pay all fees, which include:

  1. Registration fee: $25
  2. Minimum tax
    • For most businesses: $51
    • For rental properties: $77
    • For non-profits (include copy of IRS exemption letter): $26
  3. State-Mandated Fee: $4

Ensure your business meets address, zoning, and safety regulations

Ensure your Berkeley business location exists in the City database

Your business location must exist in the City’s database for your application to be accepted. Check the database or ask at the Permit Service Center. 

If your business location (including suite number) is not in the City database, it is not yet legally established and you will need to apply for an address assignment. To apply, complete an Address Assignment Request Form and submit to the Building & Safety Division along with the $200 fee.

  • Submit by email: buildingandsafety@cityofberkeley.info
  • Submit in person: Permit Service Center

The process for address assignment takes four to six weeks, so be sure to check the database early on.

Ensure your business is located in an appropriate zoning area

Your business must be located in a zoning area that allows for your type of business activity and usage. Check the database or ask at the Permit Service Center to see whether your type of business is allowed in your proposed location, and what zoning permits you might need.

Ensure your business meets relevant codes

You may need approval from various City departments to make sure that your building and operational practices are up to code. In addition to zoning approval, depending on the nature of your business, you may need the following approvals:

  • Building and Safety inspections to verify that any construction activities have obtained required permits, and that existing conditions meet basic life safety requirements.
  • Fire Prevention inspections to verify that fire prevention measures meet basic life safety requirements.
  • Environmental Health inspections to verify that operational practices promote and protect the health and safety of all persons in the City of Berkeley.
  • Toxics Management inspections to verify that hazardous materials are handled appropriately.
  • Police fingerprinting to verify your background and criminal record.

Related Documents

Document
  • Enhanced Business License Tax on Five or More Residential Rental Units (231.39 KB)
In this section
Business Licenses
  • New Business Licenses
  • Business License Renewals and Closures
  • Business License Classifications & Tax Rates
Finance Department
Email: finance@cityofberkeley.info
Phone: (510) 981-7200

Related BMC

  • 9.04

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