Who Needs a Business License

Any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or sole proprietor who wishes to conduct business within the City of Colton must secure a business license. City of Colton Municipal Code, Chapter 5.02.030 License-Required, states "it is unlawful for any person to transact and carry on any business, trade, profession, calling, or occupation in the city without first having procured a license to do so and without complying with any and all applicable provisions of this chapter". A separate license may be required for each branch or location of the business.

Business License Requirements

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 Planning Division personnel in the Development Services 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 Colton. You may pick up applications at the Development Services Department office, 659 N. La Cadena Drive, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 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.

Business Occupancy Permit

All businesses which will be operating from a commercial or industrial property location is required to obtain a Business Occupancy Permit from the Planning Division before a business License will be issued. Please contact the Planning Division at (909) 370-5079 for further information.

Home Occupancy Permit

All businesses which will be operating a business from a residence is required to obtain a Home Occupancy Permit from the Planning Division before a business license will be issued. Please contact the Planning Division at (909) 370-5079 for further information.

Business License Application Process

Upon completion of your occupancy permit process you will apply for your City Business License (Business License Application). A deposit of $65.00 which is equal to our minimum business license tax as well as a $25.00 application fee for a total amount due of $90.00 is due at the time of filing your business license application. The $65.00 deposit will show up as a credit on your renewal notice at the end of the calendar year. At the time of application, a copy of your Fictitious Business Name Filing or Articles of Incorporation, Resale Permit from the State Board of Equalization, San Bernardino County Health Permit, shall be submitted if required for your business.

Business License Fee Schedule

All licenses expire on December 31 of the current calendar year regardless of when you obtained it. Your actual business license tax is determined by your actual gross receipts during the calendar year. The first year you obtain your license, your gross receipts will be ascertained from the date your business opened through the last day of the calendar year. For each subsequent year your business license tax will be determined by the previous years total gross receipts. The business license tax is collected in arrears as it is based on actual gross receipts per the Business License Fee Schedule

Renewing A Business License

A renewal statement will be mailed out two weeks prior to the expiration date of your license. License fees are due and payable by the first day of March following expiration of the original license.

Workers’ Comp Brochure

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