Business License

The City of San Bruno requires all entities operating a business or providing a service within the City's limits remit a tax as approved by the City's voters in November 1999. Business tax certificates are issued for revenue purposes only and are not a reliable verification that a business is in compliance with various local, state or federal laws or regulations. Business taxes are due when the application is submitted and again every July 1.

Please refer to the City's Master Fee Schedule under the City's Budget and Financial Reports for a listing of all business license fees.

New Sales Tax Rate Effective April 1, 2020: In November 2019, San Bruno voters enacted Measure G, a $0.005 cent local sales tax to help maintain the vital local police patrols, neighborhood and park safety services that our residents told us were important, while enhancing street and road repair on local streets citywide. Currently the combined state and local sales tax rate effective on sales occurring in San Bruno is 9.875%.

Starting a Business in San Bruno

Customers seeking to obtain a new business license or to renew an expired or expiring business license may apply through our Business License Center online, call 650-273-4371 or by email.

If you have any questions, contact Business Licenses at 650-273-4371.

Instructions for In-Town / Home Based Business

Step 1: You will need to obtain approval from the San Bruno Community Development Department regarding Zoning Conformance. Please direct all questions regarding Zoning Conformance or Home Occupation permits to the San Bruno Community Development Department at 650-616-7074.

In addition, please review the Schedule of Taxes to complete the Business Tax Calculation section of the application.

Step 2: Practitioner/businesses that will operate under a different name must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement (DBA) with the San Mateo County Assessor or supply a copy of State of California papers certifying the fictitious name and ownership - County Clerk - Recorder's Office.

Step 3: Obtain a Seller's Permit/Resale Number for California (if applicable) by contacting the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration customer service center at 800-400-7115.

Note

Completion of In-Town/Home Based Business application may require a copy of Fictitious Business Name Statement and Seller's Permit/Resale Number, as applicable. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please contact Business License at 650-616-7083.

Helpful Links to Get You Started

Disclaimer

Business Tax certificates are issued without verification that the applicant is subject to or exempted from licensing from the State. It does not relieve the applicant from the responsibility of complying with the requirements of any other department of the city and/or any other ordinance, law, or regulation of the City of San Bruno, State of California, or any other governmental agency. Issuance of a certificate does not confirm compliance with planning (zoning), building, or public safety (police and fire) regulations. The applicant is responsible to secure all required permits. The City must be notified of any changes in ownership or address of the business, or any business closures.