Chapter 5.01 — Business License Requirements
Ord. No. 12, January 6, 1919 | Last amended by Ord. 2024-06
§ 5.01.010 License Required
No person shall engage in, conduct, manage, or carry on any business, trade, profession, or calling in the City without first obtaining and maintaining a valid business license from the Finance Department. This requirement applies to all businesses with a fixed place of business in the City and to all persons conducting business within City limits from a location outside the City.
§ 5.01.020 Application
Every person required to obtain a business license shall file an application with the Finance Department on a form provided by the City. The application shall include: full legal name and contact information; business name (DBA) if applicable; description of business activity; business address; and estimated annual gross receipts. The application shall be signed by the owner or authorized agent under penalty of perjury.
§ 5.01.030 License Term and Renewal
Business licenses shall be valid for one calendar year from January 1 through December 31, or for the remainder of the calendar year if issued after January 1. Renewal applications and fees are due by December 31 of each year. A penalty of twenty-five percent (25%) of the license fee shall be imposed on any renewal received after January 31.
§ 5.01.040 Display Requirement
Every person holding a business license shall display the license at the licensed business location in a conspicuous place easily visible to the public and to City inspectors. Mobile or home-based businesses shall produce the license upon request.
§ 5.01.050 Transfer and Change
Business licenses are not transferable to another person or entity. A new owner of an existing business must obtain a new license. A change in business location, name, or principal activity shall be reported to the Finance Department within thirty (30) days, and an amended license shall be issued.
Chapter 5.02 — License Fees
Ord. No. 12, January 6, 1919 | Last amended by Ord. 2025-06
§ 5.02.010 Fee Schedule
Business license fees shall be established by resolution of the City Council and listed in the City's official Fee Schedule, available from the Finance Department and on the City's website. Fees shall be based on business category, number of employees, and/or estimated gross receipts as specified in the Fee Schedule.
§ 5.02.020 Home Occupation
Home occupations that comply with the requirements of the Development Code shall be subject to a reduced annual fee as provided in the Fee Schedule. Qualifying home occupations may not employ any non-resident employee, have customers visit the residence, or create any external indication of business activity beyond a single non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet.
§ 5.02.030 Exemptions
The following are exempt from the business license tax but may be required to register with the City: (a) nonprofit organizations holding valid federal 501(c)(3) status; (b) government agencies; (c) agricultural activities on lands in the Agricultural designation.
Chapter 5.03 — Peddlers, Solicitors, and Itinerant Merchants
Ord. No. 34, May 2, 1927 | Last amended by Ord. 2020-04
§ 5.03.010 Permit Required
Any person who goes upon private property in the City to solicit orders for goods, services, or charitable contributions, or who operates as a peddler or itinerant merchant, shall obtain a solicitor's permit from the Chief of Police in addition to any required business license. Permits shall be valid for ninety (90) days and shall be carried by the permittee at all times while soliciting.
§ 5.03.020 No Soliciting
No person shall solicit at any premises where a "No Soliciting" sign is posted. Hours for solicitation are limited to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, or sunset if earlier.
Chapter 5.04 — Regulated Businesses
Ord. No. 41, August 6, 1929 | Last amended by Ord. 2023-07
§ 5.04.010 Businesses Requiring Special Permits
In addition to a standard business license, the following business types require a special regulatory permit issued by the Police Chief or designee, subject to a background investigation and compliance with specific operating standards: (a) secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers; (b) massage establishments; (c) adult-oriented businesses; (d) cardrooms and games of chance; (e) towing services; (f) private security companies.
§ 5.04.020 Operating Standards
The Police Chief shall adopt operating standards for each category of regulated business consistent with applicable state law. Operating standards shall be made available to applicants and posted on the City website. Failure to comply with operating standards shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of the special permit.
Chapter 5.05 — Short-Term Rental Regulations
Ord. No. 2023-09, adopted September 5, 2023 | Last amended by Ord. 2026-03
§ 5.05.010 Purpose and Findings
The City Council finds that short-term rentals (STRs) of residential property for periods of thirty (30) or fewer days have proliferated in McLainberg, creating both opportunities for property owners and challenges for neighborhood character, housing availability, and code compliance. This chapter establishes a permitting and regulatory framework for STRs that balances these interests while protecting neighborhood integrity and ensuring proper tax collection.
§ 5.05.020 Permit Required
No person shall operate a short-term rental in the City without a valid STR permit issued by the Community Development Department. STR permits are issued annually and are subject to renewal. Permits are not transferable and terminate upon sale or change of ownership of the property.
§ 5.05.030 Owner-Occupied Requirement
STR permits shall only be issued for the operator's primary residence. For purposes of this chapter, "primary residence" means the dwelling unit where the operator resides for a minimum of 183 days per calendar year. Non-primary residences (investor-owned STRs) are prohibited.
§ 5.05.040 Operating Requirements
Permitted STR operators shall: (a) collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax as required by Chapter 3.03; (b) maintain a local contact person available 24 hours per day; (c) provide guests with a written Good Neighbor Policy outlining noise, parking, and occupancy standards; (d) limit overnight occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons; and (e) comply with all safety and habitability standards of Title 8.