New Business License
Every person, firm, or corporation engaging in any business, trade, profession, or occupation within the City of McLainberg must obtain a business license prior to commencing operations, as required by McLainberg Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5.04. A business license is not a zoning approval; applicants must separately verify that the proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district.
To apply for a new business license:
- Complete the Business License Application (available online or at the Finance Department counter)
- Provide your Seller's Permit number if you will be selling taxable goods
- Provide your State contractor's license number and insurance certificate if applicable
- Pay the applicable license fee (see fee schedule below)
- If operating from a home, submit a Home Occupation Permit application concurrently
Zoning Clearance Required
Before a new business license is issued for a commercial location, Community Development staff will review the application to confirm the proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district. This review is completed within five (5) business days for most uses. Businesses requiring a Conditional Use Permit must obtain planning approval before commencing operations.
Renew Your License
Business licenses are issued for a calendar year (January 1 – December 31) and must be renewed annually. Renewal notices are mailed in November. Licenses not renewed by January 31 are subject to a 25% late penalty; licenses not renewed by March 31 are subject to a 50% late penalty plus referral to code enforcement.
Fee Schedule
| Business Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Sole proprietor / home occupation (0–1 employees) | $85 |
| Small business (2–10 employees) | $145 |
| Medium business (11–50 employees) | $285 |
| Large business (51–100 employees) | $480 |
| Large business (101+ employees) | $650 |
| Out-of-city contractor / business | $175 per year (or $85 per project) |
| Short-term rental (per unit) | $250 |
| Second-hand dealer / pawnbroker | $350 |
| Non-profit organization | $0 (exempt upon proof) |
Fees shown above are for reference only. The City Council may amend the fee schedule by resolution. Current fees are confirmed at time of application.
Home Occupations
A Home Occupation Permit is required to operate a business from a residential dwelling unit. Home occupations are subject to the following standards under McLainberg Municipal Code §9.44.040:
- The business activity must be clearly incidental to the residential use of the dwelling
- No exterior alterations or signage that indicates a business is conducted on the premises
- No customer or client visits to the home (delivery services to the home are permitted)
- No employees other than residents of the dwelling unit
- No storage of business materials visible from the street
- No use of hazardous materials or equipment incompatible with residential use
Out-of-City Contractors
Contractors performing work within the City of McLainberg but based outside of city limits must obtain a McLainberg business license prior to commencing work. Proof of a valid California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license and general liability insurance are required. Contractor licenses may be purchased on a per-project or annual basis.