Business/Economic Development

250 - Business Licensing in Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Municipal Code requires all businesses operating in the city to pay an annual business license tax. The Business License Tax year is the fiscal year July 1 through June 30. Business licenses are not transferable between owners; however, they may be transferred to a new location upon written notification to the Revenue Division. The City Planning Division must approve all businesses located inside the city before a business license will be issued.

The business license application can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax or on-line at smgov.net/finance/licenses. To submit the application in person, come to the Revenue Division located in Room 103 at the City Hall, 1685 Main Street. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on  Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Limited services are available on alternate Fridays.

For more information on business licensing, please call  (310) 458-8745. After hours, on weekends and on alternate Fridays, you may leave a message and your call will be returned on the next business day.