County Business Licenses

The Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector (ACTTC) is responsible for issuing general County Business Licenses, Cannabis Business Licenses, and Vacation Rental Licenses for businesses operating in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County.

To apply for a general Business License, complete the Business License Application and email to [email protected] or mail to 1055 Monterey Street, Suite D290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. A staff member will contact you within 24 hours, Monday through Friday excluding holidays to review and provide additional required information.

There is a separate process for licensing of Cannabis Related Businesses and Renewing a Cannabis Business License.

There is also a separate process for licensing Vacation Rentals.

All licenses must be renewed annually.

Renew an existing general Business License

Submit a Transient Occupancy Tax Return

Renew an existing Cannabis Business License

 

What is the process?

Apply for a business license

Information to bring to apply for a business license

  • Name of Business (You may file a fictitious business name)
  • Name and Address of Owner of Business Location (if not the same as applicant)
  • Name of Corporation Officers and Address of Home Office
  • Mail Order Business may be requested to submit a copy of its catalog for review
  • Completed Business License Application

Apply for a zoning clearance from Planning & Building

If you are not the property owner for the business location, you will need to provide written authorization from the property owner for your proposed business use. 

For more information, please visit Planning & Building's Business Clearance 

Receive approval from any other required agencies

Certain business types may require additional review and approval from other agencies. For example, a restaurant will require an inspection and permit from the County Health Agency.

Tax Collector staff will be happy to review your County Business License application with you and direct you to the appropriate agencies.

Who is eligible?

Individuals or corporations who sell merchandise or provide a service for a fee in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County (outside city limits) may need this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

Currently, most County Business Licenses require a $44 application fee. Most licenses then require a $34 renewal fee annually (a $4 required fee for the State Disability Access program is included in the application fee and renewal fee).

Certain special license types require additional fees. Please contact the ACTTC to confirm specific license fees.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Renew an existing Business License

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday - Friday 8-5


1055 Monterey Street Room D290
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5831

Fax: (805) 781-5362

FAQS

Individuals or corporations who sell merchandise or provide a service for a fee in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County (outside city limits) may need a County Business License.

In addition, individuals who initiate contact by any method (telephone, mail, or in person) for the purpose of presenting merchandise or performing a service at a later date may need a Solicitor's License. Any retailer selling tobacco products in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County must have a valid Tobacco Retailer's License for each location in addition to their County Business License.

To apply for a County Business License, an applicant can appear in person at the Tax Collector's Office located at 1055 Monterey Street, Room D-290, San Luis Obispo, CA or complete the Business License Application and email to [email protected] or mail to the address listed on the application.

Please bring the following information when applying for a County Business License:

  • Name of business
  • Name and address of owner of business premise
  • Name of corporation officers and address of home office
  • Mail order business may be requested to submit a copy of its catalog for review
  • If you are not the owner of the physical location of the business, the County Department of Planning and Building may require a written statement from the owner of the property granting permission to operate the business at that location.

Each day a business is operated without a County Business license, or is operated in violation of the provisions of the County Ordinance, shall constitute a separate offense. Each offense is punishable by up to six (6) months in County Jail or a fine of up to $500.

Most County Business Licenses are issued for a period of up to one year. Certain licenses, particularly those for special events, are issued for a shorter period of time.

Yes. A vacation rental operating in the unincorporated area of San Luis Obispo County requires a special kind of business license. See Vacation Rental Licensing service for additional information.

The City Business License Department contact information is as follows:

County Business Licenses are not transferable. Changes in ownership, business name, nature of business, or location must be reported IMMEDIATELY and are subject to the approvals of other agencies.

If a name other than your own is used for the business, a Fictitious Business Name must be registered with the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder within forty (40) days of starting the business. Banks usually typically require evidence of a fictitious business name prior to opening an account in the name of the business.

Sales or use tax may apply to your business activities.  You may seek written advice regarding the application of tax to your business by writing to the nearest Board of Equalization Office.

Firms with employees must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD) for Unemployment Insurance (UI), State Disability Insurance (SDI), State Income Tax Withholding, and with the Internal Revenue Service for a Federal Income Tax Withholding Identification Number. State Law also requires that businesses with employees must carry Workers' Compensation Insurance.

County Business Licenses are site specific, since they require a land use authorization in order to operate a business at a particular location. Accordingly, if a business changes location, a new County Business License application is required.

 

If a business moves to one of the incorporated cities, the County Business License holder must inactive or cancel their County Business License and contact the city to which the business is moving.

Contact information for the licensing authority in the incorporated cities:

California Law exempts certain individuals or businesses from obtaining a County Business License or exempts them from the fee associated with the County Business License. Contact the Business License Clerk at (805) 781-5832 for exemption requirements.