City of Yucaipa

A Guide to Establishing and Conducting Business in the City of Yucaipa
This information was prepared with the business person in mind. It was created with the intent of giving business people some basic information regarding the requirements of establishing a business in the City of Yucaipa. We feel that this information will make going into business somewhat more efficient. It is not the intent of this guide to make the business owner aware of all City, County, State, or Federal regulations. Any omissions or errors will not excuse or relieve business owners of their responsibilities or liabilities connected with establishing a business in the City of Yucaipa. We encourage you to take advantage of the services provided by the Business License office personnel who are available to give you information and assist you with your application.

How to Apply
You may pick up applications at the lobby of City Hall during normal operating hours (7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday - closed alternating Fridays) or you can download the application (Business License Application). The PDF file requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader ( 4.0 or higher). If you do not have this program installed, you may obtain the free Reader by clicking on the link below. Please submit original signed application with payment to City of Yucaipa Business Licenses, 34272 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399.

Who Needs a Business License?
Any individual, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor who wishes to conduct business within the City of Yucaipa must secure a business license. City of Yucaipa Municipal Code, Chapter 5.04, states "no person shall conduct any business in the city without first having obtained a business license, paid the appropriate license fee, and complied with any and all applicable provisions of this code". A separate license is required for each branch or location of the business.

Exemptions
Although the following may be exempt from a City business license fee, they shall apply for and obtain a City business license:

Disabled American Veterans
Non-profit and Charitable Organizations
Insurance companies
Residential care facility for less than six people
Minors
Motor carrier property transport
Day care facility for less than six people

Any person claiming an exemption shall file a sworn statement with the Business License Division stating the facts upon which the exemption is claimed. Upon verification of the information in the statement, a license will be issued.

Before You Apply
We want your business to start successfully. Before applying for your business license or making significant business commitments, you may want to contact one of our Business License Division personnel or the planners in the Community Development Department. A City planner can tell you about City zoning requirements for your type of business and any other requirements you need to follow in order to conduct business in the City of Yucaipa. Some businesses may need more than a business license. All businesses must comply with all applicable City, County, State, and Federal laws and regulations. To find out if your business needs further licensing from State or Federal agencies, please contact the Bureau of Consumer Affairs.

Home Occupation Permit
All businesses operated from a residence will be evaluated to ascertain if a Home Occupation Permit is required. Generally a permit would be required if:

There are customers coming to the residence for products or services.
There is a business sign at the residence.
Manufacturing is conducted at the residence.

Business License Fees
Business license fees shall be paid at the time your Business License Application is submitted to the city. This fee is non-refundable. Your application will be reviewed by the Planning Division and the Business License Division. If your application is approved your Business License will be mailed to you within two weeks. If your application is not approved, or if additional information is needed, you will be contacted within two weeks. The fee schedule is as follows:


Annual (First Year)	$50.00
Annual (Renewal)	$45.00
Annual (2 Year)	$75.00
Annual (3 Year)	$105.00
Quarterly	$20.00
Monthly or Less	$12.50
Modification to License	$5.00
Duplicate License	$5.00
Transfer Fee	$25.00

Your license is valid for one year from the month your application is approved.

Posting of Business License
All business licenses shall be posted in a conspicuous place upon the premises where the business is carried on. Any person engaging in business without a fixed place of business shall be in possession of a business license at all times while on such business in the city.

Modification to License
To amend a business name or location, you will need to submit a written request to the Business License Division and pay a minimal fee to cover administrative costs.

Transfer of License
Upon the change of ownership of a business a City business license is transferable subject to the filing of a new application and the paying of a transfer fee.

Business License Renewal
A renewal statement will be mailed out one month prior to the expiration date of your license. License fees are due and payable in advance on the first day of the month following expiration of the original license.

Penalty for Delinquency
Any business that fails to pay the appropriate business license fees when due shall be subject to a penalty of ten percent of the total amount owing, accumulating at 30 day intervals, not to exceed 100 percent of the amount of the license fee due.

Business Closure
Notify the Business License Division if you have closed your business. Your account will remain active until notification is received.

Fictitious Business Name
Generally, a business name that does not include the owners surname would be required to file a fictitious name statement with the County Clerk Division of the Recorder’s office. For more information about a fictitious business name, please contact the County Clerk Division.

State Board of Equalization
You may need to obtain a seller’s permit if you are engaged in business in California and sell merchandise that is subject to sales or use tax. To apply for your permit, call the State Board of Equalization to request an Express Registration package. You may also apply in person at the Riverside office.