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1. What licenses do I need to start a business?

You need a business license from the city. Please see Business License or Permit cost for more information on what type of business require a license and costs.

2. How do I start a business in San Bruno and who is required to have a City business license?

According to the San Bruno Municipal Code 3.08.020, it is unlawful for any person to commence, transact or carry on any business without first having procured a license from the City to do so. Those with home occupation businesses, apartment owners (with three or more living units), persons with commercial property rentals, outside contractors working in town on a project are all required to obtain City licenses. Contact the San Bruno Portal at 650-273-4371 for more information.

Contact the Planning Division 650-616-7074 first to make sure that the business would meet zoning requirements.

3. How much does a business license or permit cost?

License Fee Structure

In-Town

• New account:
  • Gross receipts (time business starts-end of fiscal year June 30): refer to Gross Tax Receipt Calculation
  • Application fee: $50
  • Business Compliance Permit Fee: $156 per hour (see Section 503 of Master Fee Schedule under Community and Economic Dev)
  • Fire Inspection: $255
  • State Mandated Disability Access and Education Revolving Fund: $4
• Home Based:
  • Gross receipts (time business starts-end of fiscal year June 30): refer to Gross Tax Receipt Calculation
  • Application fee: $50
  • State Mandated Disability Access and Education Revolving Fund: $4

Out-of-Town

• Application Fee: $66
• Business Tax: $75
• State Mandated Disability Access and Education Revolving Fund: $4

Vehicle Vendor

• Application Fee: $50
• Business Tax: $75
• Fire Inspection - Mobile Food Truck: $202
• State Mandated Disability Access and Education Revolving Fund: $4

Apartment

• Application Fee: $50
• Base Fee: $50
• Studio apartment: $3 per
• One Bedroom apartment: $3 per
• Two Bedroom apartment: $4 per
• Three Bedroom apartment: $5 per
• Fire Inspection: $33 per unit (3 or more units) or $364 per building
• State Mandated Disability Access and Education Revolving Fund: $4

License Renewal Period

• Fiscal year ends June 30th of every year
• Renewals are sent last week of May of every year