General Information
All businesses operating in the City of Oceanside (including home based businesses) are required to have a business license. Before signing a lease agreement or purchasing a business site it is advisable to check with the Planning Department to see if the property is zoned correctly for the type of business that you will be operating.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting a business license application and paying the required fees does not authorize the commencement of business. Applicants should wait for final approval to be certain that all regulatory requirements have been met. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday. City Hall is closed on alternating Fridays.
Business License Application Process
With submittal of the business license application, an administrative processing fee will be charged and a six-month business license will be issued to the applicant. At the end of six months, a business license renewal form will be mailed and an annual administrative fee will be assessed. A business license tax is also due based on the first six months of gross receipts. (The business license tax is 50 cents per $1,000.00.) Contact the Business License office at (760) 435-3878 concerning the appropriate license processing fees. The approval process takes approximately 15 days. However, the process could take longer if a "change of occupancy permit" or a "co-permit" is required. Contact the Planning Department at (760) 435-3520 for further information. Businesses locating in the redevelopment area must be approved by the Community Development Commission, a process that could also extend the 15-day period.
Other Regulatory Permits
Building permits are required for all construction and remodeling work except for painting, carpeting and the installation of counters, cases or partitions less than five feet nine inches high. Separate permits are required for the installation or alteration of signs. For information, call the Building Department at (760) 435-3950. County health permits are required for several types of businesses including restaurants. Contact the Health Department for information at (760) 471-0730. Every business that will sell tangible personal property to customers must obtain a seller’s permit (resale license) from the State Board of Equalization – for information call (760) 510-5850. California law requires every person (conducting business under a name other than their surname) to file a fictitious name statement with the County Clerk’s office. Call (760) 940-6858 for information. Employers are required to obtain a Federal I.D. number (For information, call the I.R.S. at 800-829-1040) and a State I.D. number (For information, call the Employment Tax Office at 760-737-2200.
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